A Heart Full of Gratitude

The last thing Amber FitzWilliams expected to need was medical care from a free clinic.

The 35-year-old who was born and raised in Germantown considers herself a hard worker who has always found jobs and medical benefits since graduating from high school.

Her career as a medical assistant at a pain management center and then as an assistant manager at Walgreens, provided her with a decent income for living expenses. She was younger and didn’t consider medical insurance as a necessity.

When she began working for a Milwaukee roofing company in 2021, medical benefits were not included. She thought she could get by until she had enough money saved to purchase insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Next came a set of surprises and unfortunate events: a car accident where she broke her femur and suffered severe injuries followed by shingles where she was in extreme pain. She was covered by the federal health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act for a period of time to get her through the medical hurdles.

A friend told her about the Pamela Parker Community Outreach Health Clinic and within days she made an appointment. When she walked through the door she felt a sense of relief.

The clinic serves uninsured and underinsured residents of Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital’s service area which includes parts of Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties. It provides quality medical care with dignity and respect, using the services of volunteer professional team members under the oversight of a physician medical director and nurse practitioner.

A private, non-profit organization, the clinic relies on private contributions and grants for some operating expenses. Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital Foundation is responsible for raising funds for the clinic to help provide medical care to patients in need.

This clinic is a vital lifeline for those who require medical care but face financial challenges. It ensures that those struggling with medical costs still receive the care they need. Many patients seen in the clinic are employed, however, their workplaces don’t offer medical insurance or insurance premiums are unaffordable.

Since the clinic opened in 2000, countless doctors, nurses, health care professionals, support staff and dozens volunteers have provided care for more than 20,000 patient care visits. Lives have been saved and health improved because of the dedicated and compassionate care teams.

“I love coming to the clinic where they know my name and my story. They are always interested in seeing me. It’s personal and comforting and it feels like I’m talking to friends when I share my conditions,” Amber says.

The clinic serves as a primary care site where she picks up medications for Type 2 diabetes, receives physicals and vaccinations and regularly meets with a mental health counselor. She is in the clinic one to two times a month and each time she’s greeted by friendly faces from staff and volunteers who are genuinely excited to see her.

“It’s amazing because my physical health and mental health is under control and better managed now than ever before," Amber says.

Learn more about the Pamela Parker Community Outreach Health Clinic or make an appointment at 262-257-3393.