Providing Essential Healthcare in East Tennessee

Project Access East Tennessee is a dedicated non-profit organization located in East Tennessee aimed at providing free and low-cost medical, dental, and vision services for the region's uninsured and underinsured residents. At its core, this generous initiative combines the efforts of over 300 volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, and medical students to offer essential healthcare services to those in need.

Comprehensive Services

This organization covers a broad spectrum of healthcare needs. In medical services, their offerings include primary and specialty care—such as cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology—alongside surgical and emergency care. Their dental services go beyond cleanings and fillings to include extractions and dentures, ensuring comprehensive oral care. For vision, they provide eye exams and corrective lenses like glasses and contacts. Distinctively, Project Access expands its care to mental health and offers necessary prescription assistance.

Who Is Eligible?

Qualified individuals are those residing in East Tennessee, specifically counties including Anderson, Campbell, Knox, and several others, who are uninsured or underinsured with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Prospective patients can apply via a hotline, online, or be referred by community partners.

Accessibility and Assistance

Apart from straightforward access to medical services, Project Access offers a sliding fee scale based on income to ease the financial burden. Moreover, the organization goes a step further by providing transportation aid to and from appointments for those who qualify, ensuring that logistical challenges do not hinder access to healthcare.

Community Involvement

Engagement with the community is key to the organization's mission. They encourage volunteerism, offering roles for medical and dental professionals, students, and support in administrative tasks. Individuals interested in volunteering can easily apply online to contribute to this noble cause.

A History of Impact

Since 2002, Project Access has facilitated healthcare access to over 15,000 patients in need. Their regional impact is significant, having facilitated over $100 million in donated medical care. Located in Knoxville and LaFollette, Tennessee, their efforts continue to demonstrate the strong sense of community and commitment to health equity in Appalachia.

For More Information

Additional details, success stories, and testimonials can be found on their official website , embodying the triumphs and the necessity of their mission. They remain enthusiastic about welcoming donations and participation, inviting everyone to help save lives and offer hope to underserved populations.

Project Access East Tennessee truly stands as a beacon of hope, tackling healthcare challenges head-on, and manifesting a community where everyone receives the care they need.

Company Snapshot: Project Access East Tennessee

Mission and Vision

• Mission: Provide meaningful access to healthcare through coordinated medical, specialty, and social services for underserved residents.
• Vision: Foster a community with access to a comprehensive healthcare system.

Regional Impact

• Funding: Over $100 million in donated specialty care since 2007.
• Patient Outreach: Supported over 15,000 patients with medical appointments and transportation.

Service Area

• Counties Served: 21 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Services Offered

• Medical Services:
  • Primary care
  • Specialty care (e.g., cardiology, dermatology)
  • Surgery
  • Emergency care
• Dental Services:
  • Cleanings
  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Dentures
• Vision Services:
  • Eye exams
  • Glasses and contact lenses
• Mental Health Services
• Medication Assistance

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an East Tennessee resident.
• Must be uninsured or underinsured.
• Must meet income guidelines (up to 200% of Federal Poverty Level).

How to Access Services

• Contact: Call the Project Access hotline (865-249-8542) or use walk-in clinics.

Transportation Assistance

• Available for qualifying patients.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Medical and dental professionals, students, and administrative support roles available.

Leadership

• Anita Brady, LCSW: Health Services Manager
• Sara Jones, MSW: Director of Programs
• Sarah R. Scott, MSSW: Awards & Outreach Manager

Donations and Community Engagement

• Donations encouraged to support healthcare access.

Contact Information

• Phone: 865-546-0123
• Website: projectaccesseasttn.org
• Address: 1140 Cherokee Trail, Knoxville, TN 37920

Additional Features

• Testimonials from patients highlight positive impacts.
• Success stories showcased on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Project Access East Tennessee

What services does Project Access East Tennessee offer?

Project Access East Tennessee provides a wide range of free and low-cost medical, dental, and vision services. This includes primary and specialty care (cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, etc.), surgical and emergency care, dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, eye exams, corrective lenses (glasses and contacts), mental health services, and prescription assistance.

Who is eligible for services through Project Access East Tennessee?

To be eligible for services, individuals must reside in specific East Tennessee counties (including Anderson, Campbell, Knox, and others), be uninsured or underinsured, and have an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

How can I apply for services?

You can apply for services by calling the Project Access hotline at 865-249-8542, applying online through their website, or being referred by one of their community partners.

Does Project Access East Tennessee offer transportation assistance?

Yes, Project Access East Tennessee provides transportation assistance to and from appointments for qualifying patients to ensure that logistical challenges do not prevent access to healthcare.

How can I volunteer or donate to support Project Access East Tennessee?

Volunteers can apply online for various roles including medical and dental professionals, students, and administrative support. Donations are also welcome and can be made through their official website to support their mission of providing healthcare access to underserved populations.

Where is Project Access East Tennessee located?

Project Access East Tennessee has locations in Knoxville and LaFollette, Tennessee. Their main office address is 1140 Cherokee Trail, Knoxville, TN 37920.

How long has Project Access East Tennessee been operating?

Project Access East Tennessee has been providing healthcare services to the community since 2002, facilitating access for over 15,000 patients in need.

Does Project Access East Tennessee offer mental health services?

Yes, in addition to medical, dental, and vision services, Project Access East Tennessee also provides mental health services as part of their comprehensive care approach.

Is there a cost for services provided by Project Access East Tennessee?

While many services are provided free of charge, Project Access East Tennessee offers a sliding fee scale based on income to make services accessible and affordable for all eligible individuals.