OU-COM’s Community Service Programs (CSP) is initiating a new clinical program for uninsured residents of Athens County — Free Clinical Services. The program is funded by grants from the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund and the college, with support from the Department of Family Medicine and the Appalachian Rural Health Institute.

“We’re just delighted to begin this service for Athens County,” says Kathy Trace, director of CSP. “The goal is to turn this effort into a county-wide collaboration that will serve the medical needs of the most underserved — the uninsured — members of our community.”

Melanie Moynan-Smith, CSP nurse practitioner, says the Free Clinical Services program is important for improving the health status of the county.

“So many times I see women at breast and cervical cancer clinics who have no health insurance or have no primary care physicians,” says Moynan-Smith. “This is a way of establishing a medical home for patients and providing cost-free clinical services for men and women.

“It’s a greatly needed service; we know people will greatly benefit from it. The service is a result of collaboration with O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Nelsonville, the college and O’Bleness family practice residents.

“Thank you to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Parkersburg and the College of Osteopathic Medicine for providing the funding necessary to initiate the Free Clinical Services program.”

Beginning May 12, clinics will be held Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. on CSP’s Mobile Health Unit, which will be located at the Community Center in Stewart. Stewart is located 10 miles west of Athens on State Route 329, off Route 50 at Guysville.

Patients must be 18 to 64 years old with no form of health insurance. To be eligible, a “family” of one, would be required to have a gross annual income of $9,570 or less; to remain eligible, for each additional person in the family, total income could be have no more than an additional $3,260 per person. For example, for a two-person family, gross annual income could be no more than $12,830; for a family of three, no more than $16,090. Income guidelines are derived from the “Health and Human Services 2005 Poverty Guidelines.”

A nurse practitioner, registered nurses and physicians from OU-COM will staff the clinic. Family practice residents will serve as primary care physicians for clients who do not have primary care physicians. Area specialty physicians will provide care free or at a reduced rate. Screening services, prevention and health education will be included. Narcotics will not be prescribed or available on the mobile unit. Lab work and X-rays will be provided by O’Bleness and Doctors Hospital. Assistance with medications will offered through Patient Assistance programs, samples and vouchers.

Patients suffering from a serious illness or accident are asked to go to the nearest hospital or emergency service. To make an appointment at Free Clinical Services, please call CSP at (800) 844-2654 or (740) 593-2432. Clinical services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“It’s something that I wanted to do for a long time,” says Jack Brose, D.O., dean of OU-COM.

“Part of the mission emphasized by Ohio University President Roderick McDavis is service to the community. The community makes it possible to train our students and provides practice opportunities for our faculty. We felt that our Free Clinical Services is an excellent way to give back to the community.”