Health care for everyone

André Walker was on her deathbed nearly two years ago, and said she is only alive today because of the Jackson County Free Health Clinic.

Walker was making more than $100,000 a year working for the government. When both she and her husband lost their jobs, they also lost their health insurance. As a diabetic, Walker said her insurance would run $400 to $500 a month. Without insurance, her medicine is costing her about $600 a month, which is a much larger cost on a smaller income. When she could not afford her medicine, she became so sick she almost died.

Dr. Bridget McCandless, the medical/executive director of the clinic, walked into Walker’s hospital room and, as Walker says, saved her life.

Walker now receives medical attention from McCandless at the clinic, where she said she is learning about diabetes and how to help herself as well as getting healthier.

The clinic, which is the only one of its kind in the area, was founded by Truman Heartland Community Foundation. It is a non-profit clinic that treats patients, completely without insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“The clinic is important to the people it serves, but it is not enough for the demand,”  said Paul Thomson, president and CEO of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

Because the clinic is non-profit, it has to stretch its dollars in order to reach a significant number of patients. Often times the clinic turns people away because of the lack of capacity and time.

Thomson said the clinic needs the support of the community to continue its services.

“We need to keep this thing going,” Thomson said.

“We would like people to make donations towards Truman Heartland Foundation for the benefit of the clinic.”

He said the future of clinics like JCFHC is largely up to the citizens.

“Citizens should...get behind them to support the ongoing work,” Thomson said.

McCandless said with the economy getting worse, she believes the clinic will see a rise in patients. But with limited funding, the increase in numbers could be a problem.

“With additional funds we would really be able to serve a broader spectrum of patients,” McCandless said.

The clinic has recently been awarded $72,000 in grants from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City to hire a part-time development officer, allow initial funds for a paid executive director and a stipend for the volunteer patient assistance program coordinator.

The money for the development officer will help the clinic build stable financial funding, allowing them to offer more services and hours.

Thomson said there had been talk of a second free clinic for the area, but because the clinic runs on volunteers and donations, it would be a challenge.

“It’s in the realm of miracles what (McCandless) has pulled together,” Thomson said. “It would require doubling that [to have a second clinic].”

Though the clinic has its challenges because of limited funding, they have reduced hospitalization of their patients by 60 percent.

The clinic, moved to 17421 Medical Center Parkway, is run exclusively by volunteers, including six primary care physicians. The clinic is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday, by appointment only.

Jackson County has additional clinics that provide dental services and family medicine, but they are not necessarily. They usually require a co-payment, regardless of the discounts the patient qualifies for.

The Mercy and Truth clinic in Raytown provides primary medical care for all ages, but for a fee of $40 for the first visit and $35 for following visits. It is at 6303 Evanston. For appointments or more information, call 816-356-4325.

The Samuel U. Rogers Independent Dental Clinic has four locations in the Kansas City area, including one in Independence at 620 W. 23rd St. The Independence clinic offers patients dental care regardless of income. Services the clinic provides include routine dental exams and treatments, root canal therapy and oral surgery and extractions.

The Independence location is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins available until 10:30 a.m.

The Swope Health Independence office provides health care to Independence residents, regardless of their ability to pay. However, fees are based on income, but can be waived under specific circumstances. The office provides family medicine and dental services.

The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare and insurance. It is  at 1638 W. U.S 24.