Volunteer Hall Of Fame: 2024 December 11, 2024

All of our volunteers at Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic are incredibly valuable to our mission to provide free health care to uninsured adults across Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. From medical volunteers to administrative help and event organizers, what we do simply wouldn’t be possible without the in-kind gift of the many talented and compassionate neighbors across the Lowcounty who dedicate countless hours a year to our Free Clinic. These volunteers for our 2024 Hall of Fame round-up are just a few who have topped record breaking hours served this year – and we are so grateful to work alongside them each day. Learn more about how they got started – and what drives them to give back to their community. Interested in becoming a volunteer yourself? Learn more here!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work in 2024!

Volunteer: Dr. Illy Dominitz

Volunteer Work  at BIFMC: Primary Care and Medical Acupuncture 

Years served at the Clinic: 6

Hours volunteered in 2024: 175 hours

How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time? I was interested in volunteering clinical care opportunities in the local community and Googled searched free clinics in the area.  My specialty is occupational medicine, and I knew that BIFMC would be a good fit as a main focus is on the workers in the local area which include a significant number of hospitality and blue collar workers such as manual and skilled laborers.

What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally? I believe that patients benefit the most from a holistic and team approach to their medical care. BIFMC provides primary care and multiple specialists who work together as a medical home for the patient for accessible and comprehensive healthcare.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life? I feel that the clinic benefits me as much as the community. Volunteering is very rewarding, and helping individuals have access to medical care, and hopefully, improving their overall health and function is very satisfying. 

What would you say is the biggest misconception about the uninsured? It is often perceived that people who are uninsured don’t work.  The healthcare system is so entangled with medical insurance and dysfunctional, that more often than not, if one does not have healthcare insurance through their employer, they cannot afford it even if they do work.  It is important to help our community members maintain and improve their health not only so they can have the functional ability to work and support themselves and their families, but also so they can live life in good health.

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic?  One’s physical and mental health is a precious commodity, and helping a person maintain and improve their health will make a true difference in their and their families lives both in the short and long term.  

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Volunteer: Linda Paddock

Volunteer Work at BIFMC: Front Desk working with the patients, and Administrative Office volunteer, primarily taking care of Accounts Payable issues.

Years served at the Clinic: 15 years

Hours volunteered in 2024: 560+ hours

How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time? I retired from MUSC, and a co-worker (Sue Garcia) had become the Office Manager at BIFMC and she called me to see if I might be interested in helping her.  I wanted to volunteer somewhere but hadn’t decided where that might be and BIFMC turned out to be the perfect place. 

What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally? I am so glad there is a place where people with absolutely no health insurance can come for care.  It would be a scary situation if you had health issues and couldn’t afford to pay for care and had no place to turn for help.     

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life? I tend to be a quiet person and it would be easy for me just to stay at home most of the time, but I know that is not good for me.  The work keeps me on my toes and helps me stay mentally active.  Having the opportunity to help others in need is very satisfying.  The clinic is a great place to interact with the wonderful staff and volunteers and I truly enjoy it.  I have met lots of people with different backgrounds that believe in the clinic goals. 

What would you say is the biggest misconception about the uninsured? Anyone can lose their health insurance or are unable to have access to any at all.  If we can help them address their health concerns, that will help them get on with their lives.

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic? I believe the staff and volunteers give it their all to make a place where patients feel welcome.  The staff continues to implement or improve guidelines to meet the needs of our patients.  The staff makes me feel that I have something to contribute and am helpful to them. I feel it is very rewarding.  It’s a great place to work and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to volunteer.  Donating your time or donating a gift to the clinic is well worth it.  

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Volunteer: Susan Mappus

Volunteer Work  at BIFMC: My assigned title is  “Volunteer Coordinator of Donor Relations” which means that I acknowledge the many donations, grant awards, and in-kind gifts that we receive.  Also, over the years I have actively participated in coordinating the major fundraising events. Oh, and did I mention that I also manage the postage machine!

Years served at the Clinic: 12 years

Hours volunteered in 2024: 800+ hours

How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time?  I retired from a very fulfilling career as Department Administrator of Pharmacology at the Medical University of South Carolina.  After a year off, I was ready to consider giving back to my community and happened to run into a friend who told me about the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic.  At the time, my top priority was that the organization be an easy commute from home! 

What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally?  The obvious is the ability to provide a medical home for those who are uninsured and in need of a continuum of care.  However, the other side of the picture is the desire to develop a relationship with our generous donors who have confidence in our vision and mission.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life?  I was fortunate that I loved my job and enjoyed getting up and going to work every day.  But volunteer work is all of that and much more.  Every other volunteer is as committed to the mission and dedicated to caring for our patients.  Volunteers are so important to organizations.  There is so much talent out there that can be utilized.  Since being involved in volunteering at the Clinic, my husband and I decided to volunteer at the Charleston Area Senior Citizens Center/Meals on Wheels to deliver meals on James Island.  Volunteering is a win-win for all!

What would you say is the biggest misconception about the uninsured?  I believe that the biggest misconception is that the uninsured are the unemployed.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Our clientele are hard working, contributing members of our community.  They often have multiple jobs and still are unable to afford health care.  They are our neighbors, the ones who manicure yards, cash us out at the grocery store, care for children at the daycare center, etc.  Providing healthcare to the uninsured benefits everyone – family, employers, and community.

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic?  The Clinic is an amazing organization who appreciates every volunteer.  I strongly urge you to follow your heart and give volunteering a try.  Think about what will be most satisfying to you.  I came in 12 years ago and asked to do volunteer work “behind the scenes”.  It was the perfect fit for me and every day I feel like I am making a difference and am appreciated.

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Volunteer: Marilyn Tremblay

Volunteer Work  at BIFMC: Although I have a clinical background, I serve in the administrative areas of the clinic- manning front desk, telephone calls, patient check-in/check-out, computer data entry, outreach events.

Years served at the Clinic: 4 years

Hours volunteered in 2024: 624 hours

How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time? Prior to moving to South Carolins, I knew of the clinic from my sister who lives on Seabrook Island.  She has friends who have volunteered at the clinic in years past.  It was always my plan to volunteer at the clinic once I retired and we moved. Unfortunately, we moved in 2020 so I wasn’t able to start volunteering immediately due to Covid.

What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally?  It is so important that people unable to purchase health insurance have a place to go for healthcare needs. BIFMC provides that care FOR FREE.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life? After retiring, I knew I was going to need an activity which would encourage continued learning and challenge.  I felt I needed to continue “working” in an environment where I believed I could make a difference because of my years of experience. A wonderful side benefit to volunteering at BIFMC is the loving friendships I have made over the years.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about the uninsured? Everyone has an important role in the community.and deserves the same opportunities as all others. Some of us just need a bit of help. The patients are all so grateful.

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic? BIFMC is a great place to spend time volunteering, especially if one is interested in healthcare.  There is a job for everyone, no matter your background and you meet lots of other volunteer and paid staff, all with a servant’s heart.  If volunteering is not your thing, the cost of care at the clinic is substantial, even though lots of time and materials are donated.  The clinic relies on money from some grants, fundraising events and monetary gifts.

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Volunteer: Mary Gwyn

Volunteer Work  at BIFMC: RN

Years served at the Clinic: 4 years

Hours volunteered in 2024: 624 hours

How did you learn about BIFMC? Were you actively looking for volunteer opportunities at the time? I graduated MUSC in 1978 during my Public Health Nursing rotation on the Sea Island’s fell in love with the area and swore I would return one day. I married a Citadel graduate in the Navy and the rest they say is history. He always promised to bring us back to the Charleston area. We returned in August of 2021. January 2022  I was going nuts in retirement, with my Maryland Nursing license getting ready to expire, I contacted Susan Higgins at BIFMC.  She said she needed help on Thursday afternoons/Friday and my journey with the clinic began. I knew I didn’t want to go back into hospital nursing.  I had done 45 years and COVID finished me. But, I had work in a free medical clinic in Annapolis MD for 5 years and loved it.

What is it about BIFMC’s mission that appeals to you personally? I love working with the under served population and seeing their health/lives improve through education, diagnosis and treatment with ongoing support.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about the uninsured? Why are they an important part of the community to dedicate your time to?  The biggest misconception about the under served is they want to be in the position they are in.  If they would only try harder.  I have learned but “for the grace of God, go I”

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time or donating a gift to the clinic? As for volunteering: DO IT! You have a skill, knowledge and experience that the clinic will put to use.  No amount of time is wasted,  YOU get back more than you will ever imagine. Then pay it forward.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to uninsured adults across Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. To make a donation, visit bifmc.org. You can sign up for our monthly e-news updates, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.