Hands of Hope Clinic, now housed within a medical office space on Piedmont Henry Hospital’s campus, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in McDonough Presbyterian Church in Aug. 2004.

Janet Turner, the founder, discovered a need in the Henry County community for those without basic medical and dental care.

Seeking to fill the void in the county, Turner formed a group of residents and medical professionals, dedicated to creating and raising funds for what would later become the county’s first and only free medical clinic.

Today, the mission continues, but in a different location and with more than 80 active volunteers, comprised of both administrative and medical professionals.

Ruth Rucker, the organization’s current executive director, has seen the growth since she started volunteering in 2005.

The move to Piedmont Henry Hospital was a progression that needed to happen, she said.

“[At McDonough Presbyterian], we had to set up and tear down each clinic we ran,” she said. “We needed to add more clinic hours and have our own space. It was becoming too difficult to manage without our own space.”

Space was donated to the organization in 2007, directly contributing to the regular amount of residents they help.

“We’ll see anywhere from 40 to 60 patients a week,” Rucker said. “When you don’t have health insurance and don’t have the means to afford it, one visit to the emergency room is not the answer. We take on patients and try to help them get back on track.”

Rucker said the majority of the patients are adults with chronic medical conditions.

The organization will host its annual fundraising event, Goblin Gallop, on Saturday at the Heron Bay Golf and Country Club.

The event is a combination 1-mile walk and run and a 6K run.

Race registration for the 6K, which begins at 10:30 a.m., is $20 before the race and $25 race day.

For the 1 mile walk and run, which begins at 10 a.m., race registration is $15 before the race and $20 race day.

A tot trot for children age 5 and under will also be held with no applicable fee.