A new volunteer effort is expected to help poor people in Jefferson County for years to come.

A group of doctors, dentists and nurses is about to open a free health clinic in Jefferson City.

The building at 126 West Andrew Johnson Highway will be a blessing for some 2,500 uninsured people in Jefferson County who may be about to lose TennCare coverage. Efforts are well underway to turn this former doctor's office into the "Jefferson Rural Clinic".

"I don't suppose I'm any busier than most anybody else here," says Dandridge physician Dr. Jay Brombach. "We're all busy and like everybody else, you just make time for things you need to make time for."

And in Jefferson County, the second fastest growing county in the state, the need is significant.

Kathy Marshall, a nurse for Jefferson County Schools says, "I see the kids in schools, and we're constantly looking at ways to get them medications or get them to a doctor. Their parents, we see people constantly that are in very badly need of dental work."

Area dentists have donated enough dental chairs and equipment to fill three exam rooms. Not everything's in order yet, but the clinic's expected to open sometime in January.

"There's a big need for it in the community and we will be busy," says Dr. Warren Stinson, a Jefferson City dentist.

Volunteers plan to make people in Jefferson County healthier, by giving them a place to come for free medical care whenever they need it. The Jefferson Rural Clinic will also ease the burden on the hospital.

Once the clinic is ready, it will likely be open a few days during the work week and on Saturday.
No one will be turned away, but patients will be asked to make appointments.

For more information on the clinic, call (865) 471-5525.

The Jefferson Rural Clinic needs more money and volunteers.

Donations to the clinic can be mailed to:

Jefferson Rural Clinic
126 W. Old AJ Highway
Jefferson City, TN 37760