In Matthew 9:12, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” And unfortunately, it is the ones who have no access to medical care that are the sickest. In Alamance County, there are approximately 15,000 people who live below the poverty line. Of this 15,000, some seven hundred between the ages of 18 and 64 receive free medical care at The Open Door Clinic. The clinic’s mission is “to offer free health care services with dignity, professionalism and concern for the indigent and working poor of Alamance County.” On any given Tuesday or Thursday nights, these individuals receive diabetic training, medicines, diabetic supplies, and evaluations by volunteer nurses, mid-levels and physicians. Front Street United Methodist Church has supplied funding for the needles that are used to administer insulin, which is a vital medicine for diabetics. Without insulin, these folks run the risk of heart attacks, strokes, loss of vision, amputation of limbs and even death.
Our faith asks us to be servants to our fellow man and I have had the opportunity to be a servant to my fellow man in this clinic. One by one, these patients realize that they are not forgotten and they are loved and important.
Shannon McGowan regularly volunteers with The Open Door Clinic in Burlington and is the upcoming chair of the Missions Team.. If you would like to learn about ways that you can volunteer or support this organization, contact Shannon.
