French 500 Free Clinic Reopening, Continuing to Serve Area Residents

Four nurse volunteers of the French 500 Free Clinic from left to right: Evangeline Gugacus, Debbie Beegle, Beverly Voss, and Lydia Simon. Submitted Photo.

GALLIPOLIS – After being closed for the winter due to inclement weather and other factors, the French 500 Free Clinic announces that it is reopening twice a month beginning on Thursday, April 28 to 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 on Thursday April 28 and again on May 12 for follow-up from 1 – 3 pm at 258 Pinecrest Drive in the old Hillcrest Clinic off of Jackson Pike in Spring Valley (west of the Hospital), next to the Arbors Nursing Home. Going on Route 35, get off at the Holzer Hospital Route 160 Gallipolis exit. No appointment is necessary.

Patients will 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. Apply at Job and Family Services.

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..

Paul Sebastian and Betty Horan on the left and Dr. Mel Simon on the right with Alina Colwell, the one thousandth patient served at the French 500 Free Clinic which coincided with its third anniversary. Submitted Photo.

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.