Looking to Christ the Healer as its model, Healing Hands Health Center (HHHC) started as an idea in the Outreach Committee of First Presbyterian Church in the summer of 1996. HHHC received its first patients on October 6, 1997. Rather than the usual three to four years from idea to opening of a free clinic, Healing Hands opened in only fourteen months. Surely, the Holy Spirit was at work among us.
The Outreach Committee at First Presbyterian consisted of lay people with a heart for mission. After reading a Parade Magazine, newspaper article about a free clinic in Vermont the committee began work on a similar clinic in Bristol.
Following an October 1996 public meeting to discuss a free clinic in Bristol a group of medical professionals, (doctors, dentists, nurses, optometrist, podiatrists, a chiropractor, and a counselor), quickly arose. These Christians recognized the need and urged the group to continue development of the idea. In the early days, the addition and participation of the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center, along with their endorsement and support were key to the success of the clinic in terms of community support, expertise, and in-kind donations of equipment, supplies, laboratory testing, and other help. In addition to all this, Wellmont Foundation donated $30,000 to Healing Hands in May 1999 and pledged the same for the following two years. Sullivan County Health Department and other secular agencies, key partners in area community's health care, also participated.
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While the cadre of professionals came from many churches and the medical profession, they all started with a common goal: to provide healing to those in need in the name of Christ. They came to the Healing Hands team as individuals, but with the support of their churches: Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Lutheran.
Healing Hands assembled professional and lay volunteers and arranged in-kind donations, but little money. Through a family foundation, Mr. Frank DeFriece committed $100,000 to Healing Hands. With his first check, we had enough money to open!
Through a North Carolina church, who receives and distributes donated medical equipment, supplies, and furniture, HHHC was able to visit the church warehouse and filled several vehicles and a U-Haul truck with most of their "wish list" of equipment and supplies. The generosity of unknown others and the providence of God were taking care of the working uninsured in Bristol.
Volunteers cleaned, painted, and decorated the building. They cleaned up the yard and trimmed the shrubbery. Sally Jordan, an artist who is a member of First Presbyterian, painted a springtime garden mural in the waiting room. This gracious and welcoming touch helped put our patients and their families at ease.
HHHC strives to serve the whole person, with attention to physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. HHHC intends to provide accessible, quality health care by combining the efforts of the religious community, the medical community, local and state government, and community and civic organizations. While there are operational guidelines for patient income, geographic area, and employment status, the primary rule is that any decision of Healing Hands must result in the preservation of dignity and respect for both the patient and Healing Hands.
The spiritual needs of those seeking health care is a priority. Pastoral counseling, as well as psychological counseling, are key parts of the care offered by Healing Hands.
The support of churches and Christian community continue to be the key to Healing Hands in terms of volunteer lay and professional support and financial donations. Most important, prayer and the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit in our ministry are the might of Healing Hands.
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