Dominion Resources' donation aids clinics

Nine free clinics in Hampton Roads received a total of $135,000 from Dominion Resources Inc. on Monday as part of a $1 million donation to clinics across 14 states.

Each clinic received between $5,000 and $20,000, based on number of patients and financial need, said Dominion spokesman Dan Genest.

Dominion Resources, the Richmond-based parent company of Dominion Virginia Power, donated half of the $1 million to Virginia's 48 free clinics, while clinics in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin split the remainder based on the number of Dominion employees in each state. All of the clinics are nonprofits.

Cathy Revell, executive director of the Chesapeake Care Free Clinic, said the money will be put to use providing critical medical and dental care for patients.

Patient loads at free clinics rose nationwide in the past year, largely attributed to job losses and subsequent loss of insurance, Revell said.

- Michael White