Ledwith-lewis history

 
Dr. Ledwith, a family medicine doctor in Tappahannock, noticed that within his own practice there were many individuals who were uninsured and had difficulty paying their medical bills on their own.  Dr. Ledwithdid his best to work with these patients, but soon realized that the number of patients were more than his practice alone could handle.  He enlisted the help of his church group, and even some of his own patients within the medical field, to open his office one day a month to provide free services to those who were unable to afford them. 

Quickly, the need for services was greater than expected and services grew to once a week, then twice a week, and currently twelve clinics per month offered, and two patient screening days per week.

In 2006 Dr. Ledwith left the region to pursue professional options in Boston, leaving the free clinic in the hands of several local, volunteer physicians.  

 
In 2007 Dr. Richard G. Lewis, retired cardiologist and local Essex County resident became the volunteer Medical Director, and continues to serve in the position. As a direct result of Dr. Lewis's dedicated service and faith in the mission, the Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic, along with Dr. Ledwith's dream were able to prosper and grow beyond the original goals, and continue expand.

In January of 2016, the Board of Directors decided to rename the Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic to the Ledwith - Lewis Free Clinic in celebration of ten years of service to the region, and in honor of these two gentlemen who continue to transform the lives of those in need, through love, leadership and generosity.