Compassionate Care for All Patients
Providing quality health services in Southwest Virginia.
History of The Clinic
In August 2000, three nurse practitioners, Rebecca Goble, Dayle
Zanzinger, and Martha Larmer, started the idea of Smyth County Free
Clinic to aid in the access of primary health care to uninsured, low-
income individuals. At that point, the nurse practitioners were serving
patients at vacant rooms in the health department or hospital. Dr.
James Patterson, Emergency Department Director agreed to serve as
the Medical Director so a free-standing clinic could be developed.
That year, the Smyth County Free Clinic opened for business on Main
Street in Marion. Mel Leaman, a Marion Town Council member and
community minded individual, served as the clinic’s first Executive
Director. His goal was to ensure that patients received top quality
care. The clinic operated with a small paid staff and volunteer medical
providers. The clinic was developed, as access to primary health care
for working people was identified as a primary concern in a Smyth
County needs assessment. Despite the myriads of assistance
programs available to county residents, there are still people needing
assistance, especially health and dental services. The clinic’s name
was changed to Mel Leaman Free Clinic in 2012 to honor the memory
of Mel.
About Mel Leaman Clinic
Our Mission
At Mel Leaman Free Clinic, our mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of uninsured persons in the counties of Smyth, Grayson, Washington and Russell. We strive to provide high quality, compassionate and patient centered care free of charge.
Complementing the great staff and devoted volunteers of MLFC, faculty from the Emory and Henry School of Health Sciences Departments of Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs volunteer their time to provide clinical services to the patients of the Mel Leaman Free Clinic.
Together, clinic staff and volunteers provide medical care, behavioral health, laboratory testing, health education and prescription medication assistance.
The Mel Leaman Free Clinic is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:00, closing for lunch 12:30 to 1:30.