French 500 Free Clinic Further Expands its Services to Twice a Month
Four nurse volunteers of the French 500 Free Clinic from left to right: Evangeline Gugacus, Debbie Beegle, Beverly Voss, and Lydia Simon.
Evangeline Gugacus, Debbie Beegle, Beverly Voss, and Lydia Simon.
The French 500 Free Clinic announces that it is now open twice a month to better serve the uninsured and underinsured people of southeastern Ohio and Mason County, WV and beyond over the age of six. That is the second Thursday in addition to the last Thursday of the month. Thus the Free Clinic will be open this coming Thursday October 8 and again on October 29 from 1 – 3 pm at 258 Pinecrest Drive in the old Hillcrest Clinic off of Jackson Pike in Spring Valley, next to the Arbors Nursing Home. No appointment is necessary.
Patients will now be able to have a follow-up appointment in usually two weeks instead of one month. Thus this care for our patients (free of charge) will be more effective and more convenient.
Previously the Free Clinic announced a geographical expansion to the entire Ohio Valley including Gallia, Meigs, Jackson, and Vinton counties as well as Mason County, West Virginia and beyond. There is no longer a geographical limit.
Since the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act, also known as Obamacare, more people are now covered by health insurance. Nevertheless, there are millions of people who still are not covered. Many find health insurance to be so expensive that they prefer to pay the fine. Those of very low income may qualify for excellent coverage through the expansion of Medicaid.
Among those who are covered, many cannot afford the high deductible and copays. These underinsured people also need help. The French 500 Free Clinic is willing and able to serve both the uninsured and the underinsured.
The Free Clinic has eliminated age restrictions except for children below the age of six who are covered by the County Health Department and other governmental agencies. Within the family income guidelines eligible children under the age of 18 can obtain extensive coverage with no deductible or copay through the Department of Job and Family Services at 848 3rd Avenue in Gallipolis..
The Clinic is staffed by experienced physicians and registered nurses with access to a chiropractor, a social worker, and a counselor. These and other volunteers give their time freely to serve the community. Our patients are examined and treated by licensed medical practitioners and professionals. Each doctor is assisted by a registered nurse.
When necessary, our medical facility and its physicians refer patients to an appropriate specialist. We assist patients with lab work and prescriptions. However, the Clinic does not dispense pain medications.
Being very dependent upon donations and volunteers, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to our donors in addition to our patients.
