Free clinic treats working people without insurance

It is one thing to discuss health care options and listen to the debates coming from Washington, but it is another to be employed, have no health insurance, and be sick.
It is for those people that the Caldwell County Free Clinic, located in downtown Princeton in the basement of the Central Presbyterian Church, continues to operate on Thursdays after 5 p.m.
The clinic opens its doors because of the generosity of church members and the communities it serves—Lyon, Caldwell, and Crittenden counties and Dawson Springs. Volunteer doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and pharmacist technicians staff the clinic on a rotating schedule. Clerical workers handle scheduling and paper work, and Executive Director Donna Bowers said she always wants to hear from anyone wanting to help.
“The larger our pool of medical professionals, the more likely we are to keep our services flowing, when someone has an emergency and is not able to work their assigned evening,” Bowers said.
“The patient or relative, living in the same home, must be working or have worked in the past six months. The patient must be uninsured, which includes Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or veterans benefits.”
When patients visit the clinic, they have a large parking area in the rear of the church, since the building next to it has been razed, although there is still construction tape surrounding the uneven ground. Patients must be residents of the service area and should bring identification, proof of income, and a current tax return. A $5 pharmacy co-pay is requested once a month.
While basic prescriptions are offered onsite, there are no controlled substances kept in the pharmacy, nor does the clinic prescribe any controlled substances. Local pharmacies provide for the clinic and national pharmaceutical companies also have programs that assist such clinics.
Bowers and clinic volunteers search the Internet, looking for programs, and local pharmacists supervise and coordinate the distribution of medicines that are needed by patients. The clinic also receives physician samples.
Clinic services in the clean and well organized environment include treatment of acute illness, such as flu, colds, urinary tract infections, and minor injuries. Management for chronic illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure is offered, along with general medical evaluations. Basic lab work and X-rays are offered in cooperation with Caldwell Medical Clinic and Trover Health Systems. Much of the durable medical equipment on the premises was provided through a grant program several years ago, so physicians may evaluate patients in a manner similar to their own private offices.
Patients seeking flu shots are referred to their local health departments. Bowers reminded readers that the clinic does not provide emergency services.
The clinic is staffed the first four Thursdays of the month, although there will be no services provided on Thanksgiving night. The clinic is generally closed for two weeks during the holiday season, although that is determined by whether or not medical personnel can volunteer.
Patients and their families should know that a fairly steep stairway must be descended in order to enter the clinic, so if they need assistance, they may phone ahead at 365-0901, or make sure that someone is with them for assistance.
Bowers emphasized that “the clinic could not exist without the work of our volunteers.” Anyone who would like information about volunteering, either as a medical professional or clerical worker, should contact her at 365-0901.There are also forms at the clinic for tax-deductible donations, either one time or monthly, and “we also have been generously remembered with memorial gifts.”