Free Clinic welcomes congressional delegation to unveil expansion

Mar. 27—The Free Clinic of Meridian will be able to serve even more uninsured and underinsured residents of East Mississippi and west Alabama after it unveiled its expansion Tuesday with a visit from Meridian's congressional delegation.

The clinic was awarded a $310,000 Congressionally Directed Spending grant in September 2023 to fund the construction of two new exam rooms, a multipurpose room, office and storage space.

Kevin Hatch, president of the Free Clinic of Meridian board, said the expansion would not have been possible without the grant, and the grant would never have been received if not for Sens. Roger Wicker, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Rep. Michael Guest.

"While the clinic does not accept federal, state, or local government operation funding, the opportunity for this one-time grant was an opportunity we couldn't pass up, and all three congressional offices immediately offered their support," he said. "We again cannot thank you enough for your support of the free clinic and for being here today."

The Free Clinic of Meridian first opened in 2015 and provides free medical assistance, primary medical care, and health education for residents of Lauderdale County and the surrounding area who are ineligible for Medicaid and Medicare and earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Care is provided by EC Healthnet's Rural Family Medicine Residency Program, students from Meridian Community College's nursing programs, Mississippi State University-Meridian's Physician Assistant Studies program, and numerous volunteer practitioners.

Wicker said the Free Clinic of Meridian is an embodiment of the ideals and values that make America great. Local hospitals, foundations, charitable organizations, private donors, volunteers, and people from all areas of the community work together to support the clinic and provide medical care for those in need, he said.

"This is emblematic of what makes our small towns and small cities and rural communities in Mississippi and all across the great heartland so wonderful," he said.

The Free Clinic, Hyde-Smith said, is performing a much-needed role in the community, and the dedication of its volunteers, physicians and board members is both obvious and inspiring.

"My comment today is, 'Thank you,'" she said. "Thank you for doing this. Thank you for being who you are, and again it makes me so proud to be a Mississippian with you."

Celebrating the clinic's new expansion as the Easter holiday nears is fitting, said Guest. For Christians, Easter is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose message to mankind was to help the poor and heal the sick, he said.

"You at this clinic you carry on that example that our Lord and Savior set some 2000 years ago," he said.

In addition to funding, volunteers play a key role in the Free Clinic's efforts, Executive Director Stephanie Woodall said, and the organization is always looking for those willing to lend a hand in some capacity. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, the number of people volunteering has been low, but anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to call the clinic to learn more about what volunteer opportunities are available for them.

"Both Medical and non-medical volunteers play an essential role in the operation of the Clinic," she said. "Anyone looking for an opportunity to serve those in need is encouraged to contact the Clinic at 601-286-5551 for more information. Training is provided, and only basic computer skills are needed in the front office."

Located at 4747 Poplar Springs Drive, the clinic is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Patient and volunteer applications are available at the clinic or online at freeclinicofmeridian.com.

Contact Thomas Howard at thoward@themeridianstar.com