West Virginia Health Right, Inc.

Charleston, W.Va.

Created in 1982, West Virginia Health Right is the largest and oldest free clinic in the state.  They serve more than 17,500 uninsured in south-central West Virginia who have household incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level.  Eight out of ten of their patients have a job or live in a household where someone is employed.  They are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.

In 2006, the clinic provided medical care valued at $30 million, on an annual budget of $1.2 million.  The average annual per patient cost of providing care is $72.  Cost per visit averages $17.  For every dollar the clinic receives, it leverages $32 of in-kind care.

The clinic was awarded a $25,000 grant to increase its current diabetic education and management program by 200 patients.  They currently have more than 5,000 diabetics among their patient population.  Funds will be used for personnel, diabetic test strips, and printing and mailing for each patient enrolled.