Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

MEADVILLE MEDICAL CENTER– Meadville , Pennsylvania
Meadville Area Free Clinic Program

What is it?
Meadville Medical Center helped form and continues to assist in the operation of the Meadville Area Free Clinic, which has provided free primary care in the area for the past 10 years. The clinic treats about 100 people per month at a cost to the clinic of about $30 per visit including medications. Retired doctors, nurses, and others volunteer to care for patients at the clinic.

Who is it for?
Anyone without health insurance.  

Why do they do it?
The need for free medical care in the area was identified by a health needs assessment. The clinic helps the hospital reduce overcrowding in the ED, and many of the clients with chronic ailments like diabetes and hypertension are now receiving preventive treatment. 

Impact: Of the 1,200 patients seen at the free clinic each year, about a third report that they would have gone to the hospital’s ER for care if the clinic did not exist. A little more than a third report that they would not have sought care at all.

Contact: Duane Koller
Director of Marketing
Telephone: 814-333-5704
E-mail: dkoller@mmchs.org