Neil and Mary Sue Pressley

"They Really Care"

Neil and Mary Sue Pressley are residents of the Claudville Community in Patrick County.  Mary Sue is a homemaker and care provider for Neil’s mother, who has cancer.  Neil is a pastor in a community church.  The Pressleys can make ends meet on the income that Neil receives as a pastor however, insurance isn’t affordable for them.  Mr. Pressley stated that he knows it has become common for churches not to provide insurance to their staff due to the rising cost of coverage. 

The Pressleys learned of Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County through their church.  When Mary Sue was informed about the clinic, she knew it was something that they should check in to, “I just knew I had to try for us”, she said.  Neil wasn’t as easy to persuade, due to the fact that he had a hard time accepting something for free, but she finally convinced him to complete the paperwork necessary to qualify for the clinic’s services.  They were amazed and thrilled that they did qualify for assistance.

On Mary Sue’s first visit she was seen by Pamela Wright, Family Nurse Practitioner, and was informed that among other medical problems, her blood pressure was very high.  Mary Sue felt like she was treated like “royalty” during her visit.  While there, the clinic helped her get the medication necessary to get her blood pressure under control.  Regarding Pamela, Mary Sue says she was “really glad to have her on my side”.  Mary Sue shared her experience with Neil and he was pleased with her first impression of the clinic.  Mary Sue began encouraging Neil to go to the clinic and when a medical issue arose, he finally agreed to go.  Neil’s experience was similar to Mary Sue’s.  He was impressed with the staff and their ability to make him feel at ease; he says he felt “like they really care”.  Neil states, “I am amazed that they really care about the people and treat them with such respect”.  According to Neil, the impact that the clinic has had on his family is “indescribable to say the least”.  Without the clinic, they feel they would be in grave danger of major medical problems.  Medications wouldn’t be a possibility on their budget and medical care would be “just a dream and not a pleasant one” say the Pressleys. 

“From the Pressley Family, we say thank you to all who support this clinic and provide a way that the people of Patrick County can find medical assistance.  Without you they would have nothing.  I know that there are others just like our family who need this extra help.  To all the supporters we are depending on you.  The life you save will be worth all the investment, I promise you.  Jesus said ‘when you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me’.”

Healthcare is available for the elderly and children through federally funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid however, there are no affordable options for the working class not covered by employer plans.  These individuals fall through the cracks.  Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County serves as a safety net for those individuals. 

Caring Heart Free Clinic of Patrick County is open for appointment clinics on Tuesdays starting at 9 am and walk-in clinics every second and fourth Thursday with registration beginning at 2 pm.  For information on providing your volunteer services or contributions, call Susan Heath, Executive Director, at 276-694-3410.  Tax credits may be available for the professional or monetary assistance that you provid