GRACE VILLAGE CLINIC

BY ALEX HOLLOWAY –  As of 2017, 68.5 million individuals have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. Fortunately, Clarkston, Georgia took notice of the need for healthcare for the refugees. In 2016, a family of churches created Grace Village, a bi-weekly, non-profit facility where those without insurance and access can receive care from volunteer professionals. The clinic mainly performs blood tests, therapy, and check-ups. Since 2016, Grace Village has served the Clarkston community while creating volunteer and learning opportunities for pre-health college students surrounding the area.    

Grace Village is fueled by the passion of doctors, nurses, therapists, students and more who donate their time towards ensuring each patient is cared for. Most patients are natives of Afghanistan, Syria, and similar areas which creates a unique learning opportunity for all involved, especially students. The University of Georgia’s Christian and Medical Association Club (CMDA), connects involved students with Grace Village so that they can learn while also giving back. Most importantly, students get to see deeper issues in healthcare than what appears on the surface. Many of the people who visit Grace Village have healthcare issues that have persisted for weeks or months so it can be an eye opening experience that allows students to understand the need for strong commitment and selfless service. Shadowing doctors, nurses, and therapists are only a few of the possibilities students have when they volunteer with Grace Village. With most patients being from foreign countries, communication can be difficult. Translators are often on site to help the provider understand what issues the patient is having. Students who are partially or completely fluent in other languages are able to get practice speaking from a new perspective as they integrate their knowledge into their possible future field. Spanish is not the only language barrier that is faced, but others such as Farce are common for the Grace Village staff to encounter.    

UGA is not the only school who has students that volunteer at Grace Village. Students from Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and others close by also spend their Saturdays giving back. With various students and providers, the facility provides the chance to build connections. Students can share their stories and experiences in order to help one another while also gaining insight into what it takes to become a professional. Grace Village is more than just a house in Clarkston.  It is changing and bettering the lives of the uninsured, while also allowing students to experience shadowing in a different setting.

Students interested in getting involved with Grace Village can get more information by attending CMDA Club meetings.  CMDA holds meetings once a month in the Biological Sciences Building.