Mission: The Open Door Clinic provides access to free, quality healthcare services to those who are uninsured or underinsured in a compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner until a permanent healthcare provider can be established.
1990
In the late 80s and early 90s, staff at the Addison County Parent Child Center (ACPCC), as well as other non-profit organizations, had many clients who were unable to access healthcare. An issue still present today. At that time, Cheryl Mitchell was the co-director of the ACPCC. She suggested forming a group of representatives of non-profit agencies and the medical community to discuss solutions for their patients.
The Open Door Clinic (ODC) was formed as Community Health Services of Addison County.
1991
With the help of a grant from Ben and Jerry’s, a big blue bus (Health on Wheels) was outfitted to be a traveling clinic. The bus was run by paid and volunteer clinicians serving people throughout Addison County.
1993
With the support of Porter Hospital. A standing free clinic was established in Middlebury.
1996
“Health on Wheels” makes its final run
2009
The ODC received a federal grant to expand outreach to area migrant farm workers. Since then, the organization has grown from visiting two farms and serving 108 migrant workers to 35 farms and eight orchards, serving 270 Latin American farm workers each fall.
2013
As a member of the Vermont Coalition of Clinics for the Uninsured (VCCU), it has been incumbent upon us to help our patients apply for health insurance. Since 2013, ODC has employed a certified navigator to help our patients and all community members navigate Vermont Health Connect and apply for insurance. Our navigator continues to play a pivotal and critical role in fulfilling our mission.
2016
To address the unmet need and critical gap in oral health care in our community, the Open Door Clinic launched a new dental program mirroring our clinic model. Seven local dentists agreed to volunteer their time and see our patients free of charge. In January 2016, we hired our very first registered dental hygienist.
2021
Despite the pandemic, over 80 volunteers continued to dedicate over 1,983 hours to provide care for 1,568 patients (an all-time high!) free of charge
2023
ODC received funding for a new outreach van to meet the continued needs of migrant workers throughout Addison County.
Transportation
For many years, with the help of an amazing network of drivers called Amistad, which means “Friendship” in Spanish, the Open Door Clinic offered free transportation for migrant patients going to medical appointments not only at theOpen Door Clinic, but all the specialists in Middlebury to which they were referred.
In 2009, we provided a total of 31 rides for 24 patients. In 2014, we provided 667 rides for 165 patients, and our volunteer drivers drove 23,000 miles. The transportation services became administratively and financially challenging, and we decided to discontinue this service in July 2015.
Migrant patients who need a ride will be given a list of peer migrant workers who have a Vermont Driver’s Privilege Card.
The Driver’s Privilege Card is available to anyone that is a Vermont Resident. Issuance of the DPC does not require proof of legal presence or US citizenship.
English Vermont Driver’s Manual
Spanish Vermont Driver’s Manual