News Summary
The Rhode Island Free Clinic has appointed Lisa Bousquet as a new board member and Jessica Eagles as its new CEO. These changes aim to enhance the clinic’s efforts in providing healthcare to the uninsured population in Rhode Island. The clinic, the largest volunteer medical organization in the state, continues to expand its services, including free dental care, and is seeking more volunteers to meet growing demands.
Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Free Clinic (RIFC) has announced significant leadership changes, including the appointment of new board member Lisa Bousquet and new CEO Jessica Eagles, effective October 28. These appointments come as the clinic continues to meet the healthcare needs of the state’s uninsured population.
Lisa Bousquet joins the RIFC Board of Directors in her capacity as Executive Vice President at Citizens. With deep expertise in Human Resources, she manages critical functions including Private Bank & Private Wealth, Audit, Finance, Legal, and Risk at Citizens. Bousquet’s diverse background encompasses experience in various sectors, including non-profit, academic, and corporate environments, allowing her to bring valuable insights to the board. She holds both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Providence College.
Jessica Eagles has been appointed as RIFC’s new CEO, bringing her extensive experience from her previous role as Practice Director at Thundermist Health Center. Eagles has a strong background in areas like practice operations, financial operations, and the development of systems and leadership. She has a proven track record in clinic optimization and improving patient workflows. Eagles holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University and is currently pursuing her MBA at Southern New Hampshire University.
RIFC stands as the oldest and largest volunteer medical healthcare organization in Rhode Island, providing medical care to around 2,500 uninsured patients annually despite an estimated 45,000 uninsured adults in the state. The clinic operates at no cost to its patients, finding support through donations and grants. Since 2018, the clinic has expanded its services to include free dental care as well, requiring patients to first be primary care patients to ensure a holistic approach to health.
The dental clinic at RIFC has seen significant growth, currently treating approximately 40 patients each week with each appointment lasting an hour. Services have expanded from basic examinations and fillings to encompass more complex procedures such as root canals and oral surgery. The clinic recognizes that many of its patients present with complex dental needs and often lack fundamental knowledge about oral hygiene, necessitating comprehensive education and care.
Funding from Delta Dental has played a pivotal role in the establishment and ongoing support of the dental services provided by RIFC. Under the current system, patients already enrolled at RIFC face a wait time of only two weeks for dental appointments, which underscores the clinic’s commitment to timely care.
To effectively meet the growing demand and support its services, RIFC is actively seeking additional volunteers, particularly dental and medical professionals willing to donate their time to assist patients in need. The incoming leadership aims to enhance the clinic’s ability to serve the community and further their mission of providing accessible healthcare to the uninsured population of Rhode Island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Business News
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Cranston Online
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dental Care
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PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
