History

The Jackson County Free Health Clinic (JCFHC) began operations in April, 2000, as an initiative of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. A Needs Assessment performed for the Eastern Jackson County area showed that a significant gap existed for those who had expensive chronic illnesses but who did not have access to traditional indigent care programs. During the planning stages, an effort was made to focus only on those services that were not available from other agencies. Services were targeted to adults aged 18-65, with household incomes of less than 200% Federal Poverty Level and an existing chronic illness. Initially, the services were intended for eastern Jackson County residents but over time, that area grew to include 36 zip codes.

Initially, the clinic was staffed by 3 physicians and 20 volunteers. It has grown to a volunteer staff of 80 with a full time Clinic Coordinator and part time physician/Medical Director. The licensed professional volunteers include Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Nephrology, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Podiatry, Pharmacists and Nurses. Services have expanded to include ongoing medical care, disease-based education, laboratory service, vaccinations, diagnostic radiologic studies, and medications for qualified patients.

The clinic has had several locations over the last 10 years but in January, 2010, Centerpoint hospital provided a newly renovated space at 17611 E US 24 Highway in northern Independence.

In 2000, the Patient Assistance Program was developed to request medications from participating pharmaceutical companies. In FY 2009-2010, this program brought in $795,882 in donated medications. This program is staffed by students from the UMKC School of Pharmacy and overseen by Dr. Cameron Lindsey, Professor of Pharmacy.

Eighty-one percent of patients have 3 or more chronic medical conditions and 24% have 6 or more chronic conditions. In addition to regular medical care, diabetic patients also receive education towards disease self-management, screening for foot and eye disease, medication teaching, and immunizations. In addition to medications and regular laboratory services, hypertensive patients receive dietary teaching and exercise counseling.  All patients are provided with medications from the dispensary if needed and then enrolled in the Patient Assistance Program to provide stable, long-term medications.

In 2010, the Clinic changed its name to Shared Care Free Health Clinic of Jackson County to better reflect the critical partnerships between patients, providers and the community supporters. In 2011, the Shared Care Free Health Clinic received its own 501c3 designation although we still maintain an affiliation with the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

The Clinic focuses on relationship based care which results in improved patient outcomes.  Diabetes outcomes on the 10 American Diabetes Association measures are equal to or better than those of patients with private insurance. The keys to this success are the team care model, frequent access to providers, access to medication and adjusting to the social challenges faced by patients.

For additional information, please click on the following links:

Mission
History 
Outcomes
Collaboration
Grant Support
Organizational Support