Willing Helpers Medical Clinic expands services to meet growing healthcare demands in Newton County

The Newton County Board of Commissioners convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget appropriations, with a significant focus on the Willing Helpers Medical Clinic's contributions to the community. The clinic, which has been operating in Covington since February 2006, provides free medical care to uninsured individuals earning below 200% of the federal poverty level.

During the meeting, the executive director of the clinic highlighted the increasing demand for services, noting a 61% rise in residents suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension over the past decade. The clinic currently serves approximately 654 active patients, with new applications arriving weekly. Notably, 48% of these patients have no income, often due to housing instability or job loss.

The clinic specializes in treating chronic conditions and offers a comprehensive approach to healthcare, including mental health counseling and wound care services. The director emphasized the importance of nutritional education, sharing a success story of a patient who significantly improved their health by changing dietary habits.

Plans for a new dental clinic were also discussed, aimed at reducing the number of dental patients visiting the emergency room. The clinic is currently seeking additional funding and staff to support this initiative.

The executive director reported that in 2024, the clinic provided over $3.4 million in free medical care, an increase of $1.2 million from the previous year. This service not only benefits the patients but also saves the local hospital system, Piedmont Newton, an estimated $1 million annually by reducing emergency room visits for non-critical issues.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued partnership between the clinic and the county to address the growing healthcare needs of the community, as the population continues to expand. The board acknowledged the clinic's vital role in enhancing public health and supporting the local healthcare infrastructure.