Susan Mappus Featured in Volunteer Spotlight December 12, 2016

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 Susan Mappus! Susan aids the Clinic in their fundraising efforts as a Donor Relations Volunteer. Her professional expertise, exuberant smile (and love of writing thank you notes) is a tremendous asset to our community! Not only does Susan support the Clinic weekly by volunteering her time to assist us in the office, she is also a true champion for BIFMC in her spare time – continuously showing her support with a “like” and “share” of BIFMC resources on social media. Thank you Susan – we “like” you too!

Name: Susan Mappus

Position: Donor Relations Volunteer

Years served at BIFMC: 5

1. How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time? I had a very rewarding career working at the Medical University of South Carolina, but was ready to retire after 29 years of service.  After one year of being a caregiver to my mother and one year of doing what ever I wanted, I was ready to volunteer. A friend from MUSC told me about the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, and from day one, I was hooked!

2. What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally? My activities at the Clinic do not put me in direct contact with our patients, but I have interacted with the staff and other volunteers who do serve the patients. The staff and volunteers are the most selfless people that I have ever met. They are caring, compassionate and dedicated to the mission.

3. How has volunteer work had an impact on your life? I am always in awe of our donors. They are generous and loyal beyond words. BIFMC does not receive any state or federal funds. To fulfill our mission we are dependent on the generosity of others and our donors are generous beyond words in time, service and financial resources.

4. What would you say is the biggest misconception about those who cannot afford health insurance? My time at the Clinic has educated me about the uninsured population we work with. Most of our patients are hard working individuals who cannot afford health insurance. These are the people that we encounter in our every day life, i.e. food service, housekeepers, lawn service, etc.

5. What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic? My advice to others who consider volunteering is to find something that you are passionate about and enjoy.  I look forward to going to the Clinic every week and have taken ownership of my activities.  The staff are amazing. They are so appreciative of all volunteers and express that often.  Because I believe in and witness the mission of the Clinic, it is easy to volunteer my time and my resources.

Thank you, Susan, for your compassion, time, friendship and true enthusiasm!

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, and Instagram.