The Guadalupe Free Clinic in Colonial Beach was packed with more people than usual on a Wednesday morning. In addition to the increased number of patients seeking treatment, the waiting room held guests patiently waiting for a blessing by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the clinic’s new larger office space Dec. 20.
The ministry began in May 2005 as a way to assist the uninsured migrant workers in the area both corporally and spiritually. The clinic first operated out of a 1250-square-foot “cottage” next to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Since moving to their new 3,000-square-foot location in a nearby strip mall, they have received more patients than ever before.
According to the clinic’s newsletter, as of Nov. 17, the clinic saw 300 patients in 2,114 visits this year, a new record. The clinic operates thanks to charitable donations and grants, which will help cover the leasing of the larger space moving forward.
“We went from two exam rooms to four, we have a huge area for our pharmacy and our lab,” said Lance Carrington, executive director. “In the old space, the need was there because we were seeing a growth in patients, so I posed the question to the board, do we start to cut patients off? The answer was a resounding no, which paved the way for the 2022 relocation of the clinic’s life-saving ministry.”
“They help me and my family so much, we are so thankful,” said Marta, one of the clinic’s patients. Speaking through a translator, she credited the clinic for saving her husband who was diagnosed and treated for lung cancer six months ago.
A devoted team of staff and medical volunteers administer these life-saving services to patients like Marta and her family. The volunteers are passionate about the clinic’s mission and many of them go the extra mile.
“I am happy to drive an hour to volunteer here,” said Vicky Sampson, a parishioner of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg and a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience. “Everyone here is so kind. We are all here because we want to be here.”
During the blessing of the clinic, Bishop Burbidge encouraged the volunteers to have faith in the Lord’s ability to work through them.
“Every day my dear friends, as you walk through these doors, renew that faith by saying, ‘Yes Lord, I do believe and I will give you my very best … and I trust that you will use all that I offer you in miraculous ways.’ ”
Ashleigh is a freelance writer in Fredericksburg.
