Rhode Island Free Clinic Announces Leadership Changes

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

Healthcare team at the Rhode Island Free Clinic collaborating to provide care.

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.