Each month, BIFMC shines a spotlight on one of our many exceptional clinic volunteers. From medical staff to voluntary file clerks, Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is able to provide a warm, caring and expert primary medical home to hundreds of uninsured patients. The residents and workers of our Lowcountry community are cared for and kept healthy due to the commitment of our volunteers.
This month, we celebrate Nancy Prickett!
Name: Nancy Prickett
Town of Residence: Kiawah Island
Type of Specialist/Position: Office help
How many years served at the Clinic: Nine (Since the beginning of the volunteer program.)
How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time? I was a relatively new full-time resident on Kiawah and wanted to find ways to serve people in our neighboring communities. I discovered BIFMC, and also Mt. Zion Elementary School, where I still tutor.
What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally? The mission of BIFMC is to understand and serve the health and wellness needs of uninsured, low-income adults who live or work on Johns, James and Wadmalaw Islands. There is a great disparity among residents of these islands and I feel that I, personally, need to get out of the “bubble” I live in and understand my neighbors better. What better way to do that than give them the gift of health?
How has volunteer work had an impact on your life? It makes me feel more of a whole person. I feel better when I can help others. Truthfully, I get as much out of it as I put in to it. I see many of the same patients returning on my volunteer day and I love to be able to greet them by name, as a friend. Anyone, anywhere, who needs help is worthy of my time. BIFMC offers medical care to those who would otherwise not receive it and I am happy to help in that effort.
What would you say is the biggest misconception about the uninsured? That they are “idle” and, if they had a job, they could afford insurance. Most of the patients do have jobs but they do not earn enough to pay for insurance and prescriptions.
What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic? Just do it!! It is a wonderful organization of caring people and the patients are so appreciative!
Thank you, Nancy, for your longstanding dedication to the Clinic, and your compassion for our community! We are lucky to have you as a part of our volunteer family!
If you know and would like to nominate a current BIFMC volunteer, please email us; To thank a volunteer, please share this spotlight via social media!
If you would like to learn more about how you can volunteer for Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, click here.
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic provides medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist – but it is free. We serve uninsured adults living at or below 200 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, Wadmalaw or James Islands. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
More Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Kelli Parker
Meet Emma: BIFMC’s AmeriCorps Student Intern!
