Mecosta County Free Health Clinic Marylynn Adamski, Leeann Disbrow, Jennifer Gilbert, Nadezhda Litton, Shenna Throop

 A Great Need According to the data from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) rural counties such as Mecosta are characterized by higher unemployment levels and higher percentage of population living at or below poverty level. People living in rural areas have lower educational level compared to the metropolitan area. Disadvantageous economic and social conditions translate to poor health outcomes for rural area population. Obesity rate, rate of heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory illness, and unintentional injuries are significantly higher in rural counties compare to the metropolitan areas. Studies indicate that there is a reduction in rates of hospitalization and emergency department visits for vulnerable population in rural areas served by health clinics.

 A Great Need According to A Report on the Health Trends and Resources of Rural Michigan, ; There is evident shortage of health care providers in rural areas. There are 40 free clinics in the State of Michigan. 16 of them serve more than 2.5 million people in rural Michigan. These factors as well as geographical isolation and sparse population indicate limited access and availability of health care services in rural Michigan. 16 percent of Mecosta county adult population has no health insurance. A valuable alternative to the state funded health clinic that can improve healthcare services in Mecosta county is a free clinic operated by volunteer staff.

 Introduction to Services Group proposes to open free health clinic in Canadian Lakes to offer health care services to people living away from Big Rapids. Clinics name will be Mecosta County Free Health Clinic. Clinic will offer: Assistance Medical care Patient education Medications Referrals Clinic will be staffed with one physician or a nurse practitioner, one or two registered nurses and one office clerk. Services will be provided by volunteer staff using donated supplies to 18 years and older with no health insurance. There will be no charge for health care services.

 Mission Statement o Provide professional, compassionate, quality health care o To uninsured adults in Mecosta County o Promote healthy lifestyles choices, disease prevention and disease management o Provide competent care assisting with medical care, medication and referrals

 Philosophy o Provide unbiased care regardless of socioeconomic status o Provide professional compassionate care in a timely manner o Healthcare is a basic human right and should be available to everyone o Serve those who are unable to pay for services and lack the ability to obtain health insurance o Will focus on acute care issues and education and health prevention issues

Hours of operation Tuesday-Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 10am-5pm Closed on Christmas Easter Thanksgiving New Year’s Day Memorial Day Labor Day

 Organizational Goals Offer medical care and assistance to people in need with acute and chronic conditions. Teach prevention and interventions for managing care Assist in obtaining medications and instructing individuals on their use and any contra-indications. Refer clients based on each individual’s needs and assessments. Provide respectful and timely care The facility will be clean and easily accessible at regular scheduled times The facility will expand hours and increase the volunteer staff based as need dictates

 Organizational Objectives To provide the people of Mecosta County who are lacking health insurance with quality medical care To promote preventative care and education and assist individuals to make choices and promote healthy living Assist the community with obtaining medications and their use Teaching the expected benefits and potential side effects Support and train staff by providing the tools necessary to provide care Promote quality care, safely and with compassion Keep the clinic clean and in good working order Evaluate each quarter the care being provided and determine if clients needs are being met.

 Job Descriptions Medical Director  MD or DO with minimum 5 years’ experience.  Understanding of the Mecosta County community.  Has a willingness to serve & make a difference. Physician  Medical degree from an accredited institution of medicine.  MD or DO with a minimum of 2 years’ experience.  Provides care to all patients who present to the clinic.  Good communication skills used with patients and staff.  Good time-management skills to balance clinical needs.  Patient referral to other physicians as needed. Nursing Director  Must possess a current, restricted Michigan Nursing license.  Has a minimum BSN education or higher from an accredited school.  Minimum of 5 years’ experience, with 2 of them in management.  Trains staff/volunteers.  Assists with staffing the clinic.  Provides leadership & guidance.  Reports to medical director at least once a month.  Develops performance programs. Registered Nurse  Has a minimum of an ADN or higher from an accredited school.  Current, unrestricted Michigan Nursing license.  Has at least 2 years of clinical experience.  Provides care to patients while using critical thinking skills.  Provides medical services & uses appropriate clinical skills.  Demonstrates team working skills.  Maintains all safety measures.

 Job Descriptions Office Manager/Secretary  Must have a high school diploma or equivalent & previous experience a plus.  All clerical procedures, providing customer service, and organizing.  Answering phones & taking messages, with effective communication skills.  Checking patient’s in and out & giving patient’s the appropriate paperwork to fill out at each appointment. Social Worker (MSW)  Must have a Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school.  Possess good communication skills and has at least 2 years’ of experience.  Provide emotional support & offer information about available programs.  Patient interviews and referrals to available agencies.  Participates with interdisciplinary team to meet patient/family need.  Report to director, maintain accurate records, & attend board meetings. Maintenance/Janitor  High school diploma or GED.  Previous experience preferred.  Clean clinic and empty trash daily.  Clean & disinfect rooms/equipment between patients.  Collect and dispose of biohazard waste.  Customer service skills to interact with patients, their families, and staff.

 Marketing Plan & Strategies  Will advertise for the Registered Nurses in the Big Rapids newspaper-The Pioneer, the Tri-County Shopper, Pioneer East shopper, & River Valley Shopper. The ad with have an ad attraction border & total for a week of advertisement in these papers will be $  Will use free advertisement in local hospitals & health care facilities by posting our “Volunteers needed for Free Clinic” flyer in break rooms and public bulletin boards.  Will advertise in the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) professional magazine for four issues for the cost of $1,667. This advertisement is free of charge for its members & is mailed twice a year to all Michigan Registered Nurses for free. Will submit an approval request to the free clinic’s Board of Directors due to the high cost for this advertisement.

 Financing Financing for the free clinic will come from: – Donations – Grants – Fundraising activities

 Budget Mecosta County Free Clinic: Will be ran by volunteer staff Have no FTE positions, no fringe benefits. Service population will have no health insurance. Will offer free healthcare services Provide services to approximately 200 patients per month

 Budget Budget for fiscal year: Expenses:  Employees wages and benefits - $0.00  Medical supplies - $ 2,  Patient care - $12,  Office expenses - $  Total: $14, Income:  Federal Grants - $20,  Donations - $ 15,  Total: $35,000.00

 Budget Cost-Conscious Strategy: Ask free services or services at a discount rate (maintains, advertising, office supplies) Suggest $5 donation or to volunteer service for a visit.

A free Clinic in Mecosta County will enable many people in the area the health care access they deserve. Together with volunteer staffing, donations, and grants, we hope to see the clinic grow and meet the demands of this area in need.

Thank-you!