Breanna Harris
Contributing Writer
bharris17@murraystate.edu
Free health care services are available to Murray State students as long as they meet certain financial requirements.
Angels Community Clinic, which serves about 2,000 patients a year, offers free health care services to students who do not have medical insurance or meet low-income requirements. Those who meet the financial eligibility requirements receive examinations, basic diagnostic tests and prescription medications at no cost.
“We have tried to put it out there for the students, on several occasions we have flyers; the patients know that we are here, but we do not have a nurse practitioner or a pharmacist here,” Heather Grisson, medical assistant, said.
According to the Angels Community Clinic website, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and most of the staff members volunteer their time. The Murray-Calloway County Hospital provides basic X-rays and lab services based on income guidelines.
The clinic has been open for nearly 20 years. The Angels Attic Thrift Shop, which opened in 2002, provides financial support to the clinic.
“Private donations provide about 25 percent of the clinic’s funding, and the Angels Attic, a thrift store that sells donated clothing, furniture, and other goods, supplies the other 75 percent of the clinic budget,” according to the website.
If a patient is in need of lab work, the clinic will fill out the necessary paperwork by teaming up with the hospital. It is important to the clinic to have the same requirements as the hospital to ensure that the patient receives the proper care.
For a student to have access to free health care services, he or she must show proof that they meet the financial criteria and do not already have health insurance.
“As students we really don’t have the money to get the health care we need so it’s nice that free health insurance is provided,” Jacqueline Stephenson, senior from St. Louis, Missouri, said.
Students will be asked for verification of income from a recent pay stub or a notarized verification of employment of working family members each visit.
Students must also disclose any additional household income including but not limited to supplemental security income, disability, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and child support.
Proof of full-time enrollment is required for treatment.
Janae Pembrook Ward, junior from St. Louis, Missouri, also said this is an important service students need to be aware about.
“Having a service like this that is offered for free is really beneficial because no one plans to get sick or hurt, but everyone, including students, could benefit from a service that covers the cost of health care,” Ward said.
Free medical services are offered at the Angels Community Clinic on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a scheduled appointment. The medical services provided include a physical assessment and examination as well as diagnosis and treatment of severe and chronic illnesses.
However, Grisson said at this time the clinic does not offer dental services.
The clinic’s hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon. The clinic is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Angels Community Clinic is located at 1005 Poplar St. and can be reached at (270) 753-2223.