Access to health care has been an ongoing issue in the Springfield community — especially for people without health insurance.
In the late 1980s, a group called The Kitchen Inc. started an outpatient clinic designed to support those in Springfield who could not afford health care.
In 2015, Missouri State University and Mercy Hospital partnered together and re-established the clinic as the MSU Care Clinic.
“The goal of the clinic is to understand and serve the health needs of medically underserved adults in our community,” said Brock Hughes, practice manager at the MSU Care Clinic. “It also gives students the opportunity to learn in a real clinic setting.”
How the clinic operates
The clinic serves those in the local community who do not have health insurance and those who are at 150% of the poverty level and below.
“Our clinic is largely supported by students in the nursing and physician assistant studies programs,” said Hughes. “All students work with a medical professional to help provide direct care for patients.”
This clinic allows students to work with a very specific population and gives them real life experience while they are still taking classes.
Services offered
The clinic offers free primary care services and a pharmacy free of charge for all patients.
“We partnered with UMKC’s School of Pharmacy to offer medications at the clinic,” Hughes said. “Through programs with Mercy, we are able to offer free medications for our patients.”
Clinic services include:
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- Physical examinations.
- Blood tests.
- Pharmacy services.
- X-rays.
- Education to patients about their mental health.
- Referrals to community resources.
If you think you may benefit from MSU Care Clinic services, contact the clinic at 417-837-2270 or at msucare.missouristate.edu.
