Front Royal Clinic seeks $8500 for repairs after sprinkler flood damage

During a recent budget work session on January 28, 2025, the Warren County Board of Supervisors discussed critical funding needs for local health services following significant damage to a community clinic. The clinic, which serves a vulnerable population, experienced extensive flooding due to a malfunctioning sprinkler system, leading to the collapse of ceilings and walls in the back part of the building.

The clinic's representative outlined the urgent need for $8,500 to assist with roof repairs and renovations. The flooding incident, which occurred shortly after a new roof installation, has severely impacted operations, forcing the clinic to limit patient intake to just four individuals at a time. Despite these challenges, the clinic has continued to provide essential services, including medical, dental, and mental health care, to a diverse patient base, with 93.5% of patients coming from Front Royal and Warren County.

In the past year, the clinic served 723 patients, many of whom are employed in low-wage jobs that do not offer health insurance. The representative highlighted a growing number of Hispanic patients, which has increased from less than 6% to 30.7% over the past eight years. The clinic also reported a significant demand for dental services, with 287 visits last year, including extractions and restorative care.

The representative emphasized the importance of the clinic in filling healthcare gaps for those below 300% of the poverty level, particularly for elderly patients reliant on limited Medicare coverage. The clinic's ability to provide comprehensive women's health services and dental care is crucial, especially as many neighboring facilities do not offer these services.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of the flooding, including the loss of medical equipment and supplies, which will require additional funding to replace. The representative expressed hope that insurance would cover some of the rebuilding costs, although it is uncertain how much will be reimbursed.

As the board considers the budget, the clinic's situation underscores the pressing need for community support and funding to ensure continued access to vital health services for Warren County residents. The board's decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the clinic's ability to recover and maintain its essential services.