NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A new community health clinic has opened on the southeast side of Newport News.
The clinic, named for Charlie W. and Golden Bethune Hill, replaces the former free community clinic. Golden H. Bethune Hill, RN, MSN is a retired executive from Riverside and her husband, Dr. Charlie W. Hill is a retired business executive.
They both grew up in southeast Newport News.
“We are grateful to the thousands of patients who have trusted our team to provide kindness, professionalism and compassion for their health and difficult living conditions. We could not be prouder that Riverside has agreed to continue to provide these high quality services to all patients who come to the clinic for care,” they said. “A donation to the Riverside Foundation is just one step we can all take to ensure the continued existence of this essential resource. It is our deep desire that past contributors and new donors alike be inspired to join us in supporting this important and often life-saving work.
In a press release, Riverside Medical Group (RMG) said the clinic “will be used to provide medical and dental care in addition to preventive services” in “the underserved community.”
While the free community clinic has served the community for more than a decade, changes to Medicaid eligibility have changed access for many clinic patients.
“Access to health care requires consistency in so many aspects of daily life, including housing, education, transportation, and nearby primary care resources. Often only emergency care options are readily available in underserved areas. While emergencies solve immediate care needs, they leave a void in ongoing health maintenance support,” says Sally Ryan, Chief Operating Officer for Riverside Medical Group. “We are part of the Community Free Clinic and are committed to continuing its efforts as a long-standing source for everyday health care needs. Through well-founded and trusted care, we look forward to the Charlie W. and Golden Bethune Hill Community Health Clinic continuing to eliminate disparities in our service area.
The Riverside Foundation donated space, operational and medical resources to provide free medical care. The new Community Health Clinic accepts all types of insurance, including Medicaid.
It houses comprehensive primary care services, a full-time dental practice and prescription collections. It also plans to add prenatal services and educational programs such as courses on diabetes management, cancer prevention and medication adherence.
The Charlie W. and Golden Bethune Hill Community Health Clinic can be contacted at (757) 316-5210 to schedule an appointment.
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