Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
February 21, 2017 11:05 a.m.
Dr. Tom Washburn, with support from other community leaders, founded the Barnabas Samaritan Medical Clinic in October of 2005. Since that time, the Samaritan Clinic has opened its doors to thousands of individuals in need of quality medical care.
At yesterday’s Barnabas Annual Membership Meeting, Washburn was recognized for his contributions. Jim Mayo, former president of Baptist Medical Nassau, announced the placement of a plaque at the door of the clinic’s medical practitioners’ office to recognize Washburn’s years of service. The plaque reads:
This office is dedicated in honor of Dr. Tom Washburn whose extraordinary compassion vision and tireless efforts created a healing space for uninsured individuals. 2005 -2016
“Samaritan Clinic had a fantastic impact on the community. If you didn’t believe there were people in need of help, you should have gone to one of the early clinic meetings and watched [those seeking medical care] line up in the parking lot hoping to see the doctor,” said Mayo.
Washburn gave credit to his wife Kathy, and supporters who were there at the beginning which includes Susan Holden-Dodge, former Barnabas executive director, Baptist Medical-Nassau for their millions of dollars of in-kind contributions, Laureen Pagel, current CEO of Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare, and Dr. Jenny Seidel, Director of the Nassau County Health Department. In addition Washburn recognized early donors (anonymous,) volunteer physicians, and Ed Shick, minister of the Assembly of God Church, for his support and for coming up with the name “Samaritan Clinic.”
To support the Samaritan Clinic and other services provided by Barnabas click here.
About Barnabas:
We are Nassau County Florida’s only comprehensive service center to help our neighbors in crisis so they can become healthy, productive citizens. Through our partnerships, we reach even more people and maximize resources. We address critical issues facing our community, such as hunger, affordable health care, and prevention of homelessness.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide assistance to individuals and families in crisis throughout Nassau County, FL. Our vision is to be the primary nonprofit resource in Nassau Country, FL, providing assistance to connect individuals and families to services that will help them overcome crisis and achieve self-sufficiency.
An honor most deserving. Dr. Tom has always been willing to provide assistance and encourage others to do likewise to the less fortunate in our society. He is a true gift to the community.