MSU Care Archives - Health and Human Services News

Health and Human Services News

A new initiative making a big impact

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The MSU Care Clinic recently introduced a produce fridge that gives patients access to fresh and healthy food items they might not have otherwise.  

The produce fridge
The produce fridge

Thanks to Ozarks Food Harvest for providing this fridge to enhance the clinic’s capacity to meet patients’ food needs.

“Many of our patients cannot afford healthy food, so this fridge is a vital support for them,” said Justin Gassel, MSU Care Clinic practice manager. “This support helps patients focus on their health without worrying about food.”   

Fresh food for a better life 

The fridge is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, leafy greens and sweet potatoes and is restocked every week. Patients can take what they need during clinic hours without any additional requirements. 

“Fresh and nutritious food is a vital part of overall health and plays a key role in improving patients’ lives,” said Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor at Missouri State University and registered dietitian at the MSU Care Clinic. 

Looking ahead, the clinic plans to expand the food program through an internship opportunity for nutrition and dietetics students.  

“The students will offer recipes and cooking demonstrations to patients, empowering them to make the most of their fresh produce,” said Gnau. 

A lifeline for the underserved

Missouri State and Mercy Hospital Springfield opened the MSU Care Clinic in 2015. Located inside the O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center, it provides free health services and medication to underserved and uninsured patients aged 18-64.

In addition to medical care and food, patients can get clothing and essential hygiene supplies. 

The clinic also serves as a referral point for homeless patients. It connects them with other resources, such as shelter referrals and assistance with Medicaid and Social Security Disability applications. 

The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Check out the MSU Care Clinic

Advocating for communal health

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Every year, the Missouri State University (MSU) Care Clinic and Mercy come together to serve underprivileged individuals in the Springfield community. The two partner to provide comprehensive health care to those who are uninsured.  

The Care Clinic serves as a lifeline for individuals whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty line. They offer free primary care, lab services, medications and even a clothing bank and nonperishable food items. 

Art that makes an impact 

Recently, MSU and Mercy collaborated with renowned photographer Randy Bacon to create the Renewed Hope Exhibition, an inspiring collection of 12 powerful stories and portraits. These narratives highlight the transformative journey of patients who have found solace, care and a path toward stability through the clinic’s valuable services.  

“The exhibition aimed to resonate with the broader community, shedding light on the impactful role of health care in individuals’ lives,” said Justin Gassel, MSU Care Clinic practice manager. 

The exhibition’s culmination held in the O’Reilly Health and Science Center on Oct. 24 witnessed a celebration of these meaningful narratives. Patients, community partners and leadership from MSU and Mercy convened to appreciate the collective display of these stories.  

It wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a moment of profound recognition for the patients who courageously shared their stories, creating a space for empathy, understanding and appreciation within the community. 

Nurturing holistic well-being and community  

Beyond addressing medical needs, the clinic embodies a holistic approach, acknowledging the socioeconomic challenges individuals face.  

The stories display the profound impact of genuinely invested health care. By combining medical care with efforts to address basic needs like nutrition, shelter and overall well-being, the clinic fosters a path toward lasting change for its patients.  

“The exhibition’s core mission is to dismantle preconceived notions about health care and share the transformative power of authentic care,” Gassel said. 

As these stories resonate with readers and visitors, they encourage the community to support those in need.  

Learn more about MSU Care  

Increasing health care access

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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:

    • 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.

Learn more about the MSU Care Clinic

Dietetics professor wins award for work with MSU Care clinic and food insecurity

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Congratulations, Professor Gnau!

The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) awarded Jaime Gnau, a registered dietitian nutritionist and clinical instructor of dietetics at Missouri State University, with the Excellence in Connecting Health to the Community award.

The award recognizes a Missouri healthcare professional who goes above and beyond to promote healthy eating and active living in his or her community.

Gnau, also a dietitian at the MSU Care clinic, partnered with Ozarks Food Harvest in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food for clinic patients, many of whom face food insecurity.

The program was a huge success and is still active.

As of August 2021, the clinic has distributed 30,427 pounds of food, which equates to 25,355 meals.

Read more about Gnau’s work with the MSU Care clinic

MSU Care clinic faculty and staff volunteer once a month to make the food distribution program happen.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Gnau or the MSU Care clinic