‘I probably get more out of volunteering than the patients do’

Former ER nurse gives back at free clinics

Karisa Thede, RN, says during her eight years working for the Salem Hospital Emergency Department, she witnessed a growing need for health care in the community. That led her to start volunteering with Salem Free Clinics for a year in 2013, then again starting in 2022.

Thede is one of several Salem Health employees who volunteer at these clinics to give back.

A growing need

“I’ve seen lots of patients without medical insurance or who are under-insured,” said Thede. “Salem Free Clinics provide a very important role for that population — and that population has been growing in our community for many years.”

Five years ago, Thede transitioned to a new role at Salem Health as a patient advocate. Since then, she started volunteering twice a month as an intake nurse at Salem Free Clinics.

“It’s important work with an important role in our community, providing medical care to a vulnerable population of all ages,” she said.

Helping students and Medicare patients

The nurse said the services provided at Salem Free Clinics range from free sports physicals for school aged children to primary care services for young adults who have jobs without insurance.

“The biggest population we see is people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s who don’t yet quality for Medicare, and they often come in with complicated medical problems,” said Thede. “Providers can spend a lot of time with them, and they get really good care when they come in.”

For patients who do not yet have a primary care provider, Thede notes the clinics offer “bridging” appointments for patients until they can establish care elsewhere.

“They are so very grateful,” said Thede. “A lot of them have not seen a provider in years or maybe even ever as an adult. Some are so fearful of what they might find out, they’re almost shaking because going to a medical clinic is just something they don’t do.”

The nurse said she takes pride in being a part of an organization that reassures and comforts patients in an atypical setting.

“I probably get more out of volunteering than the patients do,” she said. “I love it so much, it’s so fulfilling and rewarding.”

How to volunteer

From providers to RNs, LPNs and CMAS — Salem Free Clinics is always looking for volunteers. Click here to learn more.