Service Learning

I did my service learning at Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, and it was absolutely wonderful--so wonderful that I've continued to volunteer there! It is a free clinic for Charlotte County residents who have no health insurance; it is a semi-urgent care clinic so they handle colds, flu, small injuries, etc.  It has been a rewarding service learning experience because I am a Community Health major and I will someday be working in a hospital or clinic as an Occupational Therapist.  This service learning experience provided me with the knowledge and insight (to an extent) of how a health clinic is run, from policy and procedure, to protocol and practice.  It was so amazing to see all of the different volunteer nurses and doctors who came to give their time in the evenings after they'd already worked a full shift at their day jobs.  These doctors volunteer their time from 5pm-9pm and see anywhere from 10-20 patients an evening, completely free of charge.  They also have specialists that come several times a month, including a chiropractor, a dermatologist, and a heart specialist.  These patients are generally very poor, don't have insurance, and I have seen plenty who are homeless walk into the clinic.  In this economy, with so many people out of work, this clinic is a vital part of Charlotte County and should be implemented in counties all over the US.  It has been an enriching experience to volunteer with Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic.