Demand for Free Medical Clinics Continues to Grow

Free doctors are in high demand and many free clinics are at full capacity with a waiting list.

Monday, March 16th 2009, 10:26 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Free doctors are in high demand and many free clinics are at full capacity with a waiting list.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, a crowd regularly gathers at St. Charles Free Clinic.

"I hope I can see them all," said Clinic Director Barbara Trimble. "I hope I have the doctors."

Some days, Trimble can't see all the patients. The staff is made completely of volunteers.

Trimble is often like nurse, pharmacist and receptionist all rolled into one. The St. Charles Free Clinic is one of two clinics she runs. Demand for medical attention has more than doubled recently.

Many of her patients, like Charles Mathews, are hard workers who can't find work.

"It has been absolutely just about the worst experience I've ever faced," Mathews said.

He's not the only one who would be in trouble if it weren't for the free clinic, as more and more lining up are middle class.

"They're more the people next door, the family from up the road," Mathews said. "It's anybody and everybody."

Those seeking medical help also include small business owners.

"My husband and I have a parking lot cleaning business and I come here because I'm a diabetic," patient Jean Pierce said.

There aren't enough free clinics for the Oklahomans who need them, but a bill by Senator Andrew Rice (D-District 46) may help.

It will open up Oklahoma to traveling free clinics who want to set up in state.

"We just give them the ability to just temporarily get licensed. They don't charge for their services and such," Senator Rice said.

A growing number of people need free care as a hunt for employment continues.

"I'm trying at this time. I've got an ad at Monster.com, so if anyone needs a heavy equipment operator CDL driver, look for Charles Mathews, because he's looking for you," Mathews said.

Those seeking medical attention at the free clinics can only be eligible if they do not have medical insurance. All locations accept donations.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

March 16th, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024