By and For the Community

February is Women’s History Month, observed to recognize women whose remarkable achievements serve to inspire succeeding generations — people like Hillary Glenn.

Glenn, who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree, is the co-founder and executive director of the Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC). She and the volunteers who have joined her in bringing about her vision combine to save lives, reduce demand at area emergency rooms and save countless dollars in health care expenses.

Fundamental to everything Glenn does is her light and her love for humanity, which have moved many people including me.

I first met Glenn at a yoga class about four years ago. I could feel the beautiful energy of her serving heart even during brief encounters before and after class. With contagious energy and kind leadership, she has inspired the community she serves to support her clinic with time, money and other resources.

For almost seven years, PWMC, which is part of the ministry of Point Washington United Methodist Church, operated as a pop-up clinic. In January, it moved into a new, permanent facility at 1321 N. County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach. As one of 1,400 free clinics in the United States, the clinic treats sick and injured people, provides health-maintenance services and also has plans to promote healthy living via educational efforts.

“This building is by the community, for the community,” Glenn said of the clinic’s new home. “We wouldn’t be here without the many contributions of our generous supporters, and we’re incredibly excited to expand our services and hours to serve our neighbors even more.”

Glenn explained that the building was designed with the patient in mind in ways that ensure privacy, provide a calming, comfortable environment and give volunteers and team members ready access to the tools they need.

She pointed out features of the facility including a children’s educational play area, a state-of-the-art classroom with a teaching kitchen, and a meditation prayer garden.

“To support the calming environment, we leaned into the natural landscape,” Glenn said. She noted large windows in the lobby overlooking a forest. Dental patients will enjoy the same view while being treated.

“And our partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and their Arts in Public Spaces program will enhance the interior beauty by bringing in works from local artists,” Glenn added.

The mission of PWMC is to build a stronger and healthier community by providing high-quality primary health care without regard for a patient’s ability to pay. Because it is volunteer driven, PWMC’s costs per patient will be much lower than those of other providers.

“Our new building will allow us to exponentially expand our services to the community,” Glenn said. “It will triple the number of exam rooms and add dental and mental health services, on-site lab testing for patient bloodwork and a community education room.”

Among counties along the Emerald Coast, poverty rates range from 8.9% to 14.9%, according to 2022 Census data. In Walton County, that figure is 10.5%. The need for the PWMC is great.

I believe we all have gifts, including time, that we can share with people in need. We can all make a difference. Never underestimate the impact that even sharing your story can make.

Much love,

McKenzie Burleigh, Associate Publisher
mburleigh@rowland.com