Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County, Inc.

01/23/2026

The Free Medical Clinic of Newberry was recognized as one of Newberry's BEST of 2025! They were recognized by customer feedback - for having outstanding customer service based on online reviews.

Congratulations Pam Branton, Cynthia Wallace and team!
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01/23/2026

Due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Fern, Newberry County Emergency Management has activated an emergency shelter at Gallman Elementary School, 255 Hawkins Road, Newberry. The shelter will open at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and remain open until the weather event has passed.

Please note that pets are not allowed the shelter.

01/23/2026

❄️❄️❄️There will be shelters open if you need to go to one. O’Neal Street UM Church will have one and also make contact with local law enforcement ahead of time if you think you may need shelter. Don’t forget to take your prescription meds with you. Stay safe and plan ahead.

BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.

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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.

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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.

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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.

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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.

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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.

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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.

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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.

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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.

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DURING THE STORM
❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.

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AFTER THE STORM
❄️56. Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️60. Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.

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KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
❄️Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South

(I'm not sure the original author of this or I would tag/ give credit!)

07/18/2025

By Ariana Gordillo De Vivero and Harley JonesJuly 18, 2025
Gordillo De Vivero is senior director of strategic initiatives at the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Jones is U.S. program director at Project HOPE.

“It will be years before the U.S. feels the full weight of the recent sweeping Medicaid cuts. But the free and charitable clinics that act as the last line of defense for the health and well-being of uninsured Americans are already preparing to pick up the pieces.

These nonprofit clinics are the backbone of America’s health care safety net. They deliver high-quality, free, or low-cost care to uninsured and underserved Americans through a blended staff-volunteer model. According to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC)’s 2025 report, these patients represent some of the most vulnerable populations in the country: Eighty-four percent were uninsured, and 59% were employed but still unable to afford or access health insurance. Seventy-six percent lived at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, underscoring the economic barriers facing too many Americans.”

05/07/2025

Thank you all who donated during Midlands Gives Campaign! It’s not too late to give if you haven’t already. Last year the clinic provided over $1.9 million in direct and indirect services on a budget just over $187,000 and served 916 patients who had no health care. These services included eye care, dental care, labs, X-rays, health education, surgical procedures, life-saving medications, mental health and the list goes on, depending on patients’ needs. We are so very grateful for all of the clinics’ volunteer physicians and support staff. Please continue to support the clinic so we can continue our mission of serving the underserved in Newberry County. Thank you!

05/06/2025

Support nonprofits across the Midlands region. Join Midlands Gives to make a difference in your community through donations, events, and partnerships.

05/05/2025

Midlands Gives is here and we encourage everyone to consider making an online donation. Please visit Midlandsgives.com, enter Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County Inc. in the search bar, and our organization will appear on the screen. Your support will help us meet our goal. Additionally, please note that the clinic has expanded its poverty level from 250% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, enabling us to assist more individuals without health insurance and a medical home. We appreciate your help in enabling us to support others and extend our gratitude in advance, as well as to those who have already donated.

Support nonprofits across the Midlands region. Join Midlands Gives to make a difference in your community through donations, events, and partnerships.