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care. Too often, the underserved don't get routine
check-ups and screenings that may lead to early
detection of an illness or other medical issue.
VHP was created to help solve this problem.
The faith-based nonprofi t health care clinic
serves the entire Gulf Coast, offering primary
care, diagnostic tests, medication assistance,
preventative care and specialty care like dental
and optometry, plus mental health counseling,
at little or no cost. In 2023 alone, VHP had
9,240 patient encounters, facilitated in part by
more than 40,000 volunteer hours contributed
by retired community members, medical
professionals and medical students.
Funding from the Alabama Power Foundation
made the life-saving X-ray upgrade possible, and
the improved technology provides more than
better pictures. "Having the machine onsite
means we don't have to send patients somewhere
else to get X-rays," says VHP Director Kimberly
Garrett. "Transportation, childcare, time away
from work – these are all issues for our patients,
so the more we can do in-house, the better. We
restore lives every day; it's incredible to see."
