YADKINVILLE -- The Hands of Hope Clinic in Yadkinville provides free medical care for uninsured county residents over the age of 18.

Thanks to a new grant, the clinic is now offering extended hours. 

Hands of Hope first opened its doors at what nurse practitioner Patty Williams said was a critical time.

"When we started five years ago, the number of uninsured people in this community was at about 25 percent. So you've got about a quarter of your community who is without insurance, and that is astronomical,” said Williams.

However, that number hasn't improved much. Nikki Money, the clinic's executive director, said she's actually seen the patient base grow.

"In the beginning we had about I would say anywhere from five to six patients each Tuesday night come in to be seen. And now we will have as many as 20 that we see on a Tuesday," said Money.   

The clinic used to offer medical services only on a first-come, first-serve basis Tuesday evenings. Acute care for colds or other minor ailments will continue on a walk-in basis, but now, thanks to a $150,000 grant, providers are able to schedule appointment times throughout the day. These appointments will focus specifically on chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and COPD.

"If we can get more consistent care where we know these patients are coming back and not having to wait and they are coming back so they're getting more consistent care, we can improve their outcomes,” said Williams.

More than 30 active volunteers run the clinic along with a number of community partners.

"LabCorp allows us to send in some lab testing that we can't do in house, and also when we have patients that need imaging for an MRI or XRAY, ultrasounds or even mammograms, Piedmont Imaging has been phenomenal,” said Money.  

Money said the clinic relies heavily on donations and has an upcoming fundraising event in April. On April 27, the clinic will host its first ever Black and White ball  at Winmock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run. There will be live music, raffle items, a silent and live auction.

For more information on volunteering, donating or services offered at the clinic you can call 336-677-1444.