History of the Jackson County Free Health Clinic

The Jackson County Free Health Clinic started as an initiative of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. It was clear that a gap existed for those with expensive chronic illnesses but who did not qualify for traditional indigent care programs. In cooperation with community leaders, a pilot project was launched to provide care.

The clinic opened in April, 2000 with 3 physicians and 25 volunteers. There are now 7 Primary Care Providers and more than 70 volunteers. The clinic started in the Jackson County Health Department. The support of the Health Department was crucial in the development of the clinic. After several years, the clinic outgrew the available space. At the invitation of Independence Regional Hospital owned by HCA, the clinic relocated to an expanded clinical setting. This provided more room for patient education, dispensary services and establishment of a computerized medical record.

Jackson County Free Health Clinic Ribbon Cutting Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, April 2000

The clinic provides primary care, chronic disease management, and on-site dispensary services for uninsured adults with chronic illness. New patients are enrolled in the Patient Assistance Program to obtain donated medications from pharma­ceutical companies. The Patient Assistance Program brings in more than $300,000 per year in donated medications. This allows patients who have chronic illnesses to have a consistent source of medications.

The staff follows Best Practices for disease management. The object of the clinic is to provide patients with the education, skills and encour­agement to take charge of their health and to prevent the complications of untreated chronic conditions.

2007 Statistics

Patients

  • 350 adults with chronic illness
  • 80% of current clinic patients have 3 or more chronic conditions
  • 2/3 have Type I or Type II diabetes or pre-diabetes
  • All patients below 200% Federal Poverty Level
  • Total of 36 zip codes served (see map)

Accomplishments

  • 7 years of operation
  • 55% reduction in the number of visits to Emergency Rooms and hospital­ization since patients have been coming to the clinic
  • 93% of surveyed patients reported they were "very satisfied" with their care at the clinic
  • 91% felt "strongly" that they are partners in their own healthcare
  • More than $1.5 million in donated medications
  • Vaccination rates double that of insured patients
  • No diabetics hospitalized for pneumonia in 2004 through June 2007
  • More than 35,000 volunteer hours
  • $890,000 of in-kind donations annually
  • Annual cost of care per patient: $197 (from cash resources)
  • Ratio of donated services to cash donations: 14:1