Our Organization
Powered by passionate volunteers, AWC delivers free, high-quality healthcare to the Northeast Georgia community’s uninsured, helping them live healthy, productive lives.
History
In 1988, a nurse and nurse practitioner co-founded and ran the clinic what was then called the Georgia Nurses Association Foundation Clinic for the Homeless. In 1993, with the help of many local nurses and volunteers, we became the Athens Nurses Clinic (ANC). Located on Reese Street in Athens, Georgia, ANC opened its doors not only to homeless members of the Athens-Clarke County community, but also to the uninsured and indigent members of the broader Northeast Georgia community.
Growth
In 2014, ANC moved to North Avenue in Athens and collaborated with three other agencies as a part of the Athens Resource Center for Hope. Continuously assessing and responding to the needs of our community, ANC expanded not only its programs and services, but also its volunteer providers.
No longer a staff of only nurse practitioners, the addition of physicians, medical personnel, and interns led to a new organizational structure and, in 2023, a new name — the Athens Wellness Clinic. With our rebranding came the opportunity to adapt our vision and mission to reflect our evolving approach to patient-centered healthcare delivery.
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Vision
We envision a community of hope, inclusion, and equity, where personal well-being can be achieved without barriers, and every individual can live with dignity and security.
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Mission
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our patients through accessible, high-quality healthcare that is delivered with respect, dignity, and cultural sensitivity.
Mission Pillars
The mission of AWC extends far beyond providing medical treatment to patients, focusing heavily on education and disease prevention. We strive to promote preventative care, early intervention, and disease management to ensure the best possible health outcomes for our patients.
We have expanded our mission to include pillars of achievement that we believe support our work in ways that will help grow our staff and team of volunteers, and allow us to expand the range of services we provide in response to the growing demand for affordable healthcare in Northeast Georgia.
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We provide a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, dental care, mental health services, vision care, and medical specialty care. By offering a holistic approach to healthcare, we aim to address the diverse needs of our patients and promote their overall well-being.
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We are committed to removing barriers to healthcare access for uninsured low-and-no income individuals in Athens-Clarke County and surrounding communities. Our clinic remains free of charge, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder individuals from receiving the care they need.
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We uphold the highest standards of quality in healthcare delivery, ensuring that our patients receive evidence-based and patient-centered care. We prioritize compassion, empathy, and respect in all interactions with our patients, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
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We believe in the power of preventative care and education to promote long-term health. We are dedicated to educating our patients about healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and self-care practices, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
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We recognize the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and strive to provide equitable care to all individuals, irrespective of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. We embrace cultural sensitivity and diversity to ensure that our services are accessible and inclusive for all.
Consider supporting Athens Wellness Clinic today.
Every contribution assists us to fill the gaps we encounter when serving our community, and to fund innovations intended to provide the most comprehensive healthcare services for our patients.