The Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County will be receiving $100,000 from state funding to support their medical services.

This is part of State Senator Shane Reeves securing nearly $40 million in state funding to support initiatives in Senate District 14 last month.

“We are blessed to receive the $100K to provide dental and medical care for low-income and uninsured Bedford County Adults,” said director Fredia Lusk. “The $100K will assist the dental and medical staff in providing quality care for the Bedford County community.”

Lusk said they are thankful for Representative Pat Marsh, Senator Shane Reeves, and Governor Bill Lee, who have supported the rural communities struggling to provide dental and medical services with additional Safety Net Funding and expanding TennCare dental for adults. 

“As we prepare for the 2024 fiscal year, we are excited to announce the employment of a part-time dentist, Dr. Robert D. Foster,” said Lusk. He will start July 11 and will provide dental services Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Dr. Foster is a general dentist with over 40 years of experience.  His undergraduate degree is from Middle Tennessee State University and he graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences with a Doctorate in Dentistry. Dr. Foster's work experience includes private dental practice, and public health practice, and has served in medical missions.  He has been married for over 40 years and enjoys travel, spending time with his sons and their families, and especially playing golf.

Also, as of May 1, CCSBC and the MMCSOD partnership now provide TennCare adults with dental services. Individuals who receive TennCare will be eligible to receive dental services from CCSBC. They may come by the CCSBC office on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an application.

Lusk said, “We have a waitlist of approximately 300+ dental patients who have been waiting since 2021. The $100K will assist Dr. Foster and his dental staff assisting these dental patients.”

The clinic recently added a new director of dental operations, Lisa Carden, who facilitated the employment of Dr. Foster. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the life-changing services provided by the Community Clinic,” Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh said.  “They go above and beyond to help underserved Bedford County residents achieve wellness and healing so they may lead longer, more productive lives. We are very proud to support this investment and we will continue to fight for more resources that will help to expand preventative care.”

Sen. Reeves said, “The Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County plays a vital role in ensuring that medical and dental services are accessible to low-income and uninsured residents. I was grateful to work with Rep. Marsh to secure this important funding to help enhance preventative healthcare services to the community.”

Through partnerships with St. Thomas, Vanderbilt Bedford Healthcare, and Equity Mini-Grant for patient assistance programs, the clinic provides free mammograms and free Pap smears for qualified patients.

CSBC provides medical care for adults ages 19-64 and dental care for ages 19-64+. The clinic, which is located at 200 Dover Street, is geared to celebrate its 20th anniversary in September.

TennCare adults should call 629-666-6898 and press #1 for Meharry TennCare.