After more than two decades of providing free medical services to the community, the Caldwell County Free Clinic will be closing at the end of the year.
Operating in the basement of the Central Presbyterian Church on West Main Street in downtown Princeton, the Caldwell County Free Clinic will be shutting down on December 30th. Director Diane Cooper, who has been with the clinic for eight years, revealed this week that the decision to close was prompted by a decline in patient visits.
click to download audioShe mentioned that when the walk-in clinic first opened, there was an overwhelming demand for services, with patients being attended to until 10:00 at night.
Cooper, who dedicated numerous years as a volunteer nurse at the clinic before retiring and assuming the role of director, said the clinic was blessed to have so many volunteers who provided services to those in need.
click to download audioAccording to Cooper, walk-in patients are still welcome at the clinic; however, they will no longer be able to provide follow-up care. The clinic will instead focus on assisting community members in finding a suitable physician for their medical needs.
click to download audioCooper expressed her appreciation for the clinic’s success, due to the generous monetary donations received over the years and the equipment that was donated. However, with the clinic closing, efforts will now be made to find a new home for the donated equipment.
click to download audioShe mentioned that a portion of the medical records will be retained, while others will be securely disposed of or sent to another physician.
click to download audioCooper stated that it’s been a huge blessing for everyone who has worked at the clinic. She also expressed her hope that the clinic has been as big of a blessing to the individuals they have served throughout the years.
