Have a cold? Twist your ankle? If you have health insurance, may not think much of heading to your doctor for common ailments. But for those that are underinsured or without, the cost of being a cash payment makes them unable to seek care. Since 2011, The Olympia Free Clinic has provided people in Thurston County with free health care when they need it.
“The Olympia Free Clinic provides no-cost medical, mental health, psychiatric care, and specialty care services to our community members who are uninsured and underinsured,” shares Jordan Ramaekers, fundraising and development with The Olympia Free Clinic. “Without our services, many of our community members would go without care.”
Free Healthcare Thanks To The Community
“What makes The Olympia free Clinic truly unique is that nearly 100% of our healthcare services are provided by volunteers,” Ramaekers says. “We are proud to be a community-led organization.”
Last year the volunteers at The Olympia Free Clinic saw 418 patients and facilitated 1,400 visits. Ramaekers says that this year, they have already had 100 more visits than last year at this time.
The Olympia Free Clinic does not ask for proof of income or insurance status in order for people to receive care. “We recognize that some of our community members face many challenges in accessing care, and we strive to be a low-barrier clinic.,” Ramaekers says. “We will see any adult 18+ who wishes to engage with our services.”
Services run the gauntlet of healthcare. You can head there for the flu or mild injuries, like a sprained ankle, but they can also help with chronic issues, including diagnoses. “Sometimes a patient will come to us with undiagnosed or untreated chronic illness, and in many situations, we have the ability to diagnose and then provide short-term care,” Rameakers explains. “Our ultimate goal is to connect our patients with more comprehensive, ongoing care outside of The Olympia Free Clinic.”
“Our goal with every patient is to meet their immediate health care needs, and then connect them with a more permanent medical home outside of our clinic,” he continues. “Getting health insurance can be an important step in making this possible.” To do this, The Olympia Free Clinic has resource navigators. These volunteers help people find affordable health insurance or access other programs available in the community.
Support The Olympia Free Clinic
We all know that healthcare costs are expensive, and continue to rise. The Olympia Free Clinic is grateful for its partners that help cover these costs for those in need. One partner is Tumwater Chiropractic Center which contacted The Olympia Free Clinic about doing a softball tournament as a fundraiser. “We were thrilled!” Rameakers says. “We haven’t had an in-person event since before the pandemic, and we look forward to coming together with local medical groups to support health care access.”
“I am excited for this one-of-a-kind event to bring together healthcare groups from our area for a day of friendly competition and a chance to support and celebrate all the good work being done in our community by The Olympia Free Clinic,” says Kelly Golob, DC, of Tumwater Chiropractic Center.
The softball tournament is happening August 3, 2024, starting at 8 a.m. at Yauger Park. Four teams will play during the tournament: Tumwater Chiropractic Center; Kaiser Permanente Olympia; Providence St. Peter Family Practice Residency; and The Olympia Free Clinic with Stillwater Dental.
All proceeds benefit All event proceeds will support The Olympia Free Clinic’s mission of providing no-cost medical care to uninsured and underinsured adults in our community. “Funds raised will help sustain all of our ongoing clinic operations, including our medical, mental health, psychiatric, and specialty care,” Rameakers says. “Funds help us purchase items like medications, equipment, and medical supplies, and allow staff and volunteers to coordinate, administer, and deliver care.”
Participants and spectators will enjoy a fun-filled day at this co-ed softball tournament. The games will follow modified USSSA rules, ensuring everyone has a great time. Aside from a day of fun watching softball, there will prizes, snacks, raffle items and yoga sessions. Raffle prizes including medical massage certificates and gift cards and gift bundles from local businesses including Psychic Sister, Compass Rose, New Traditions and more.
Head to the diamond and support our neighbors in getting the care they need when they need it. For more information, visit The Olympia Free Clinic website.
