Reflections on Success: Health Center Voices

Virginia

Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness (dba Bassett Family Practice)
Martinsville

A new start health center, The Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness (dba Bassett Family Practice) was funded September 2007. Bassett Family Practice serves the Henry County, Virginia area and opened in January 2008.

Laura, who is unemployed, has no health insurance and cannot afford to see a regular physician. She recently experienced chest pain and sought care at the local free clinic, only to discover that the care she needed was beyond what they were able to offer. Her mother learned about Bassett Family Practice though an article in the local newspaper. Laura was seen by a physician and referred to a cardiologist at the University of Virginia, where she also received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and follow up neurology care. Bassett Family Practice helped her obtain the chronic medication she needed. Laura noted “I received more helpful care at Bassett Family Practice in 2 hours than I’d had in the past 2 years.”

Another patient at the health center, Deb moved to the area with her husband as a result of a job change. Things did not work out as planned and they soon found themselves with less income than expected and without health insurance. Deb was unable to find a physician accepting new, self-pay patients. She was very depressed and did not know what to do. A neighbor recommended Bassett Family Practice and she had an appointment within the week. Deb soon had her much needed medication and a follow up appointment for laboratory blood work. Deb noted that she is “grateful that Bassett Family Practice is available and that the staff is so kind, caring, and efficient.”