Forty-seven Michigan free health clinics received $15,000 in grant money
MARQUETTE -- When Julie Fleury was diagnosed with melanoma, her health was merely one of her concerns. Uninsured by her workplace, Fluery worried how she'd pay for treatment, until Marquette's Medical Care Access Coalition stepped in.
"They saved my life along with the oncology unit," said Fleury. "They provide a service for people like me that had no funds available."
They helped her find donated care, as they do for other uninsured, low income locals. But the free clinic wouldn't be able to help others if they didn't get help themselves. This year they are one of 47 clinics statewide to receive a $15,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
"Without receiving grant dollars to facilitate this clinic, we would not be able to see the amount of patients that we see, we would not be able to offer the services that we offer," said clinic coordinator Guinevere Lundin.
"With unemployment and the number of uninsured that we have, giving money back to these free clinics will allow people that are not insured or are under-insured to get medical services they deserve," said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan regional manager, Michael Fedrizzi.
All of the grant money will be used to purchase new equipment, to offset the cost of staffing, and to offer new services. More services are needed for their growing patient base. In the last year, the clinic has seen a 13 percent increase in active patients.
"We've had waiting lists where people are sitting at home, waiting to get a phone call from us to be a part of this program," Lundin said.
If you qualify for and are interested in free clinic care, you can contact either of the two U.P. locations who Blue Cross Blue Shield awarded with grant money:
Medical Care Access Coalition - Marquette: (906) 226-4400
Community Health Coalition - Sault Ste. Marie: (906) 635-7483
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