The work of the Rutland Free Clinic exemplifies the importance of interconnectedness in delivering health care to those in need.
Rutland County Free Clinic & Dental Clinic
Rutland, Vermont
Collaboration with multiple community and human service organizations is essential to the success of free clinics in providing improved access to quality health care for all Vermonters. The work of the Rutland Free Clinic exemplifies the importance of interconnectedness in delivering health care to those in need.
To cite but one example, the Rutland Free Clinic partnered this past year with the Vermont Farmer’s Food Center Farmacy Program and other community service groups to bring fresh produce, as well as health and nutrition education programs, to uninsured and underinsured residents of rural Rutland County. The program, known as Teeth & Tomatoes, generated many positive outcomes and widespread appreciation from participants. It brought nearly 20 new patients into the Rutland Free Clinic’s care, and also strengthened relationships among the many small, community-based organizations serving rural parts of the region.
Sarah*, a new Rutland Free Clinic patient from Chittenden, and her two adult children had been delaying proper health care due to a lack of insurance and ready access to providers. Since connecting with the Rutland-based clinic through the Farmacy Program outreach effort, Sarah and her daughter Marcie* have received much needed medical and dental services, plus both are now enrolled with the Vermont Department of Health’s You First program, which offers personalized support to pay for and connect Vermonters to breast, cervical, and heart screenings.
Remembering Tony Morgan
Rutland native Anthony “Tony” Morgan was an exemplary Vermonter and public servant. He dedicated his life to the service of the people of Rutland County and of the entire state of Vermont, most recently as executive director of the Rutland Free Clinic. It is with great sadness and profound respect that we mourn Tony’s passing on December 24, 2019, at the age of 70.
Tony was born on December 17, 1949, in Rutland, the son of Wallace and Teresa (Kenney) Morgan. He graduated from Otter Valley Union High School and Castleton State College with a degree in History. Tony married Christine Crawford in 2005 in Hawaii.
The quintessential community servant, Tony was employed by the State of Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity in Waterbury for 25 years, retiring as the director. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in West Rutland, serving as the National Chaplain in 2005. Tony established the West Rutland Food Shelf and served as the executive director of the Rutland Free Clinic at the time of his passing. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, and being an advocate for veterans’ needs.
Tony’s survivors include his wife Christine and five stepchildren – Francis, Damian, Sheena, Shelby, and Reilly. Memorial contributions in Tony’s name may be made to the Rutland Free Clinic, 145 State Street, Rutland, VT 05701.
*Patient names have been changed to respect privacy, protect identity, and assure confidentiality.