Christine Boggs: Faith, Free Healthcare, and a Future Dental Clinic - Episode 50
In Episode 50 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey welcomes Christine Boggs, Executive Director of Willing Helpers Medical Clinic, for a heartfelt conversation that blends healthcare, faith, and community outreach. Christine shares how this small but mighty clinic is delivering more than $3.5 million worth of medical care each year to Newton County’s uninsured and low-income population — entirely free of charge.
What Is Willing Helpers Medical Clinic?
Willing Helpers is a nonprofit medical clinic that provides free primary care services to uninsured, low-income individuals living in Georgia. Founded in 2006 in the basement of Solid Rock Church, the clinic has grown into a well-established facility next to Piedmont Newton Hospital. Serving approximately 700 active patients and accepting 10 new applications per week, Willing Helpers has become a vital part of Newton County’s health landscape.
Christine, who was originally brought on to manage the books, quickly stepped into leadership after realizing the clinic needed more structure and community visibility. Under her direction, the clinic has not only stabilized its operations but is preparing to expand into dental care.
Who They Serve
To qualify for services at Willing Helpers, patients must: - Be uninsured - Have an income below 200% of the federal poverty level - Be a resident of Georgia
The clinic sees a wide range of patients, including the homeless population, immigrants, and individuals recently released from incarceration. Many face chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, and heart disease.
How the Clinic Operates
Despite having only six staff members, Willing Helpers works with more than 20 Piedmont Newton providers and multiple nursing students from schools like Emory, Georgia State, and Southern Crescent. The clinic is open Tuesday through Thursday and provides services including: - Chronic condition management - Blood work - Prescription assistance - Wound care - Mental health referrals - Nutritional counseling - Spiritual support and prayer
Christine emphasizes that the clinic isn’t just about medicine—it’s about whole-body wellness: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Compassionate, Community-Driven Care
One standout theme of the episode is compassionate care. Christine believes deeply in creating space where patients feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether it’s providing wound care for a homeless diabetic patient or giving a newly released inmate a health screening and medication, every action taken at the clinic is rooted in dignity and service.
The clinic also trains nursing students to practice “compassionate care” by understanding a patient’s full life context—not just their symptoms. As Christine puts it, “When you truly see someone, you’re more likely to have compassion for them.”
Making Miracles Happen
From unexpected five-figure checks arriving in the mail to medical equipment appearing just in time for a patient in need, Christine credits God’s provision as the unseen force keeping Willing Helpers thriving. Their ability to deliver millions of dollars worth of care on a shoestring budget is nothing short of miraculous.
Coming Soon: Free Dental Care
One of the most exciting developments discussed in this episode is the clinic’s plan to launch a dental clinic. With most local ERs unable to address dental needs beyond prescriptions, Christine saw a gap in care that she felt called to fill. Within weeks of voicing this vision, she received donated equipment and support to make it happen.
If you’re a dentist or dental hygienist looking to give back, Willing Helpers needs your help.
The Georgia Baptist Mobile Dental Unit will be in Covington on August 8–9, providing cleanings, extractions, and fillings to those who qualify. Christine hopes this is just the beginning of a permanent dental clinic under the Willing Helpers banner.
How to Get Care
Patients should start by visiting WillingHelpersClinic.com to download an application and review eligibility guidelines. From there, they can call the clinic to schedule an eligibility appointment, get bloodwork, and be seen by a provider in as little as a week.
How You Can Support
There are several ways to get involved:
- Donate: One-time and recurring donations can be made at WillingHelpersClinic.com
- Volunteer: Medical professionals, students, and community members are welcome
- Spread the Word: Awareness is a powerful tool—tell someone about Willing Helpers
By the Numbers
· 700+ active patients
· $3.5M in annual care provided
· 20+ volunteer providers
· 48% of patients have zero income
· Countless lives changed
Christine’s leadership has ushered in a new era for Willing Helpers Medical Clinic—one marked by growth, purpose, and relentless faith.
Important Links from the Episode
· Willing Helpers Medical Clinic: https://www.willinghelpersclinic.com
· Become a Patient: https://www.willinghelpersclinic.com/new-patients
· Volunteer or Donate: https://www.willinghelpersclinic.com/get-involved
· The Town Square Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com
· Make a donation to The Town Square Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/donate
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Angel Pitts, United Bank Wealth Management Advisor
Phone: 770-412-4932
Serving Covington & Madison
Website: https://www.accessunited.com
United Bank Wealth Management Services — Building relationships that go beyond investments.
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