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MOORE FREE CARE CLINIC: Health Care Services for People at Risk in Our Community Moore Free Care Clinic is a private, volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that provides primary health care services at no cost to limited-income people who lack health care insurance. Many people do not, or cannot, access the health care necessary to improve their health and enhance their quality of life. Many of Moore County's residents live at or below the federal poverty level and struggle with poor health. Health insurance is often cost-prohibitive or unavailable. Public assistance programs, which are valuable to the community, cover only specific segments of the population. Patients without health care coverage and unable to afford private insurance tend to be less compliant with care plans, prescription medication regimens and follow-up care. The result is an exacerbation of conditions that may otherwise be easily controlled. Those who fall through the cracks of the public health system often seek care only in emergency situations. While Moore Free Care Clinic is not the complete solution to a health care crisis for many, it is a community-led initiative that provides free care to those in need. The clinic plays an important role in the safety net system by filling health care gaps. While dozens of organizations work to advocate for care for the uninsured, Moore Free Care Clinic is an important community response to providing health care services for those at risk. Who Can Receive Care? The clinic serves residents of Moore County who lack health insurance and do not receive Medicaid or Medicare. Eligibility guidelines require that a patient's income be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Many people in this group are employed but unable to afford health care or health insurance. The clinic interviews each individual to determine their eligibility. What Services are Provided? The clinic provides primary and preventive medical care, including mental health care. Comprehensive care is provided for acute illness and continuing care is provided for asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. The clinic holds numerous specialty care clinics. The clinic also arranges necessary off-site specialty care referrals after a preliminary exam at the clinic and with the recommendation of the clinic physician. The clinic provides resource information, health education and limited laboratory and X-rays. Sandhills Community Care Network is a community health network that works with local health departments, hospitals, and social service agencies to better manage the care for low-income residents. They provide the clinic with a case manager to assist our patients with a variety of health care-related issues. Our new partnership with Sandhills Mental Health and FirstHealth allows us to provide mental health services for our patients and has been an important step in providing comprehensive and holistic care to our patients. We hope to expand our mental health services to include new support programs, which would enhance our current screening and psychiatry program. The clinic also has off-site physician volunteers in radiology and pathology who provide critical diagnostic services to the clinic at no cost. The clinic staff enrolls its patients in the Patient Assistance Programs, offered by various pharmaceutical companies to cover prescribed medications for the uninsured. The clinic is staffed by an Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, full-time Nurse Practitioner, full-time nurse, and a full-time Patient Care Coordinator. Physicians, mid-level care providers, and nurses from the community contribute many volunteer hours to treat the clinic's patients. All medical providers are licensed by the state. What are the Clinic's Hours? The clinic operates on an appointment basis. "Walk-ins" are usually able to be seen by a health care provider on duty. For an appointment please call 947-6550. HOW YOU CAN HELP Volunteering at the Clinic The clinic relies on the generous time of dedicated medical professionals and lay volunteers who are willing to make a difference of tremendous quality in the health of the Moore County community. Volunteers may work either daytime or evening hours. We are looking for doctors, nurses, lab technicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Our lay volunteers serve as patient mentors, patient eligibility reviewers, receptionists, general office assistants, Spanish language translators, and assist with fundraising, communications and special events. DONATIONS FOR THE CLINIC The Moore Free Care Clinic is a registered 501(c)(3)non-profit corporation. It does not receive any federal or state funds and is dependent upon the generosity of the community. You can aid the clinic by considering a tax-deductible contribution to assist with the daily work of the clinic. The Moore Free Care Clinic Foundation is available for those who wish to give long-term support during their lifetime or through the proceeds of a will or estate. To explore these options, please contact the clinic, 910-947-6550. The clinic also welcomes corporate donations of goods and services that will support community-based efforts to care for the uninsured. Every donation makes a difference, so please consider showing your support by contributing today. FACT SHEET Core Values Moore Free Care Clinic is committed to the belief that health care is a basic human need. Every individual must have access to basic health care if the whole community is to be truly healthy. Mission In a spirit of compassion and concern, the Moore Free Care Clinic provides high-quality primary, preventive and specialty health care to limited-income people living in Moore County who are uninsured and can't afford access to health care. Background Since April 2004, Moore Free Care Clinic has grown from being open two evenings a week to five days and two evenings. It provides free primary, preventative, and specialty care, including diagnostic testing and medications, to limited-income, uninsured residents of Moore County. More than 1.3 million non-elderly people in the state lacked health insurance coverage in 2004. Moore Free Care Clinic's patients represent a microcosm of the county's population. They are adults, ages 18-64, and include workers and the unemployed of all races and ethnicities. In 2004 it was estimated that approximately 11.4% of Moore County's residents fell below the federal poverty level. Moore Free Care Clinic estimates that in 2008 some 3,000 people will seek care at the clinic. While Moore Free Care Clinic is not the complete solution to a health care crisis for many, it is a community-led initiative that provides free care to those in need. The clinic plays an important role in the safety net system by filling important health care gaps. Services In addition to providing primary and preventive medical care, mental health care and prescription medicines, the clinic offers several specialty clinics including: chronic disease management, cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, physical therapy, ENT, and dental care. Facts Medical Care: Specialty Referrals: Dental Care: Prescription Medications: Hospital Support: Mental Health Screening: Patients:
Financial Statement: Funding Sources Moore Free Care Clinic does not receive any federal or state funding. Its sustainability is a community-wide effort which includes individual donations and grants, including the following: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, John W. and Marjorie A. Roffe Endowment, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Moore County Community Foundation, North Carolina Association of Free Clinics, Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, and The Duke Endowment. The Moore County commissioners and the Moore County Department of Health generously allow the free clinic to operate in the same building with the Health Department in Carthage at a cost of $1 a year. 2008 Officers Stuart A. Tuffnell President Joel Shriberg Vice-President Jack Finnerty Treasurer Kathy Lannon, R.N. Interim Secretary H. David Bruton, M.D. Past President 2008 Board Members Robert Bahner, M.D. Molly Boggis George Bussey, M.D. Bobbi Erdman Joann Hanley Joe Harrington Kirby Kilpatrick, M.D. Sue Lloyd, R.N. Carol Mulcahy, R.N. Anthony Munday Pat Oakley, M.D. James Tart, M.D. Mary Schneider Joe Vaughan Ex-Officio Members Claudia Watson, director emeritus Jack Busby Era Mae Rickman Charles Wellard Robert Wittmann Staff Mark Wethington, Ph. D. Interim Executive Director Laura Tremper-Jones, R.N.C, M.S.N. Clinic Coordinator Sheila M. Fulp, R.N. Charge Nurse Millie Lopez Patient Assistance Program Coordinator Debbie Whitley Administrative Assistant The Moore Free Care Clinic provides high-quality primary, preventive and specialty health care to limited-income people living in Moore County who are uninsured and can’t afford access to health care. Moore Free Care Clinic provides:
please call for your eligibility screening and an appointment. The clinic offers interpreter services for Spanish speaking patients. Patients must be Moore County residents. U.S. Citizenship is not a requirement for health care. The clinic operates on an appointment basis. Please call for an appointment. Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday night clinics 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location: 705 Pinehurst Avenue, Carthage, NC Telephone: 910-947-6550 Website: www.moorefreecare.org |
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