Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the Good Samaritan Center needed? Yes. According to a in-depth needs assessment, more than 35% of the residents of Pickens County cannot afford routine health care. In a month-long survey of the clients who received food from the Community Food Pantry, 72% of the clients reported being unable to see a doctor due to lack of money. Eighty percent (80%) were usually unable to afford needed prescriptions. Although many of the children were covered by health insurance, almost none of the adults were insured.

What is the organization of the Good Samaritan Center? A Board of Directors manages the operation of the Center. These leaders represent the business and professional community, healthcare professionals, and others with extensive training and experience.

What services are available at the Good Samaritan Center? The Center is set up to provide most of the basic health care that one would ordinarily need.
This includes:

Who does the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center serve? The Center serves those who (1) live or work in Jasper or Pickens County, (2) meet the financial eligibility standards, and (3) have no medical insurance (either government or private). All patients are screened for eligibility.

Are patients charged for their care at the Good Samaritan Center? The Center is a private, not-for-profit, "free clinic." Patients with health insurance (either private or government) will not be eligible. No bills will be sent. Contributions will be accepted from patients if they wish to give something, but no payment will be expected.

How is the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center supported financially? A number of local and national grants have been received, and others are being sought. Many individuals and businesses from Pickens County have given generously. It is expected that continued support will come from the community churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals. All donations are very much appreciated and needed to sustain the programs provided. Good Samaritan is a charitable non-profit organization, and all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Is there community support for the Good Samaritan Center? The Center has a broad base of support in the community from local citizens, churches, charitable and service organizations, and members of state and local government.

Who staffs the Good Samaritan Center? The Center operates with a volunteer staff. Fortunately, there are many retired healthcare professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses, and others) who live in the area, and many of them volunteer their services. They are aided by currently practicing professionals who are volunteers. In addition, others with no healthcare background fill the many necessary support positions, such as secretarial, medical records, registration screening and appointments.

How can volunteers who have no training in healthcare help? Many positions at the Center are filled by persons who have no medical or nursing training or experience. For example, volunteers are needed to welcome patients, to register and/or screen them, to make appointments, to maintain records, and to perform many other important functions.

How can I help the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center? We urgently need your help. Over 250 volunteers are needed each month to staff Good Samaritan. If you are interested in volunteering your services at the Center, please call the Director of Volunteers at 706-253-4673.

We will be glad to accept your financial contribution, either for the equipping of our buildings, or for the many expenses involved in providing day-to-day health care. Some individuals and businesses have paid for renovating and/or equipping specific areas, such as exam rooms, and other areas and equipment are still in need of funding. While large gifts are important, a gift of $25 will pay for a badly needed laboratory test. Regardless of the size, all donations are very much appreciated and needed. Good Samaritan is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible.