The Blue Ridge Free Clinic opened in 2001 with the mission to “offer wholistic healthcare, medication assistance, urgent dental and needs based navigation services, provided by community volunteers and donors for our neighbors in need.” And they have been doing exactly that ever since!
The Blue Ridge Free Clinic (BRFC) is a 501(3)C non-profit which provides health care and educational support to the underserved residents in our community. The staff is entirely volunteer based and works tirelessly to educate and assist in helping community members find resources and primary care providers for long term care as well as affordable prescriptions.
As part of their fundraising efforts, BRFC is hosting their third annual benefit concert, A Night of Musical Medicine.
For a ticket price of $100, each attendee will enjoy a beautiful night of appetizers and drinks provided by Magpie, a silent auction with products and experiences donated by local businesses, and a night of music. All proceeds from the event go directly back to the Blue Ridge Free Clinic.
Last year, they were able to raise over $35,000 and this year they hope to raise over $50,000. BRFC cannot do this without the support of community members and local businesses.
We got to talk with Dr. Jerri Alexiou about the BRFC and this awesome event. Read on to check out our chat with her!
Q: Can you tell us where the idea for this benefit came from or how you got involved with the Blue Ridge Free Clinic and “A Night of Musical Medicine”?
Jerri: Maureen Ward came up with the idea, as a way to combine her love for live music and helping the community. She was inspired after hearing from a patient about the impact the Blue Ridge Free Clinic had on their life.
Q: Could you share some insight into the services provided by Blue Ridge Free Clinic that this benefit will help support?
Jerri: The Blue Ridge Free Clinic cares for underserved patients in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, filling a gap for many patients who otherwise might not receive medical care. Their goal is to provide medical care for patients while also helping them get long term, sustainable healthcare. They do this in part by assisting patients in discovering if they are eligible for medicare or other assistance. They also help patients obtain medications, guide patients to resources for dental as well as mental health services, and offer social work navigation.
Q: Are there other ways our community can support the Blue Ridge Free Clinic throughout the year?
Jerri: Tax-deductible donations can be made three ways:
- Online at https://blueridgefreeclinic.networkforgood.com/projects/129968-the-blue-ridge-free-clinic-annual-fund
- Sent via Venmo: @blueridgefreeclinic
- Mail checks to:
Blue Ridge Free Clinic
831 MLK Jr. Way
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Q: Will you share a highlight from last year’s benefit with us?
Jerri: Last year’s event was a huge hit- it was held at Court Square Theatre and featured a great band out of Pennsylvania called Big Sky Quartet. There was an event for sponsors at Magpie before the concert, and Kirsten Moore and her team made the most amazing food and cocktails.
Q: Can you tell us who will be providing the music for this year’s benefit?
Jerri: This year's musician is Scott Miller, a nationally known roots/rock singer and songwriter from Augusta County. He was recently inducted into the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame and his shows are always hugely entertaining.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
Jerri: This year’s event will again feature food prepared by Kirsten Moore and her team at Magpie, along with an open bar and a silent auction. If you haven’t been to the new Loft at Liberty Street venue, this is your chance to check out the beautiful new event space in town!