After moving to Salem, Truax, an emergency department nurse, looked for ways to use her nursing skills in the local community. In late 2024, she began volunteering at Salem Free Clinics. There, she assists with patient care, takes vital signs, and helps providers with orders and referrals. She notes that the clinic environment differs from her emergency department shifts and allows her to interact with patients before they need urgent care.
Salem Free Clinics offers a range of services, including mental health, wound care, and dental care. According to Truax, many patients are not aware that all services are free. She says this makes the clinic a valuable resource for the community.
Volunteering at the clinic has given Truax a new perspective on her work. She observes the importance of primary and follow-up care in reducing emergency visits. She also values working with other healthcare professionals, including former emergency department nurses…