Free Clinic Brings Relief to Falls

With a high unemployment rate comes the lack of health insurance, but many people in Menomonee Falls are finding relief through free health services offered at the Community Outreach Health Clinic.

The free clinic, located in the Outpatient Care Center at Community Memorial Hospital, W180N8085 Town Hall Rd., was created in 2000 due to a growing amount of uninsured individuals in the community.

When the economy took a hard hit later in the decade, Andy Dresang, manager of community outreach, said he saw a steady inflation of people using the service.

“We really saw an increase in the need, especially when the economy crashed in 2007-08,” Dresang said.

The clinic sees over 20 patients each night they are open, and a total of 200 patients a month.

Last year 2,300 patients visited the clinic.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national unemployment rate in December held steady at 8.5 percent, which accounts for over 13 million people without jobs – without insurance.

Linda Smith, nurse practitioner and coordinator, said the free service helps people affected by the weak economy – people who are working but under-insured or people without insurance.

“We help fill that gap,” Smith said. “We are able to keep people in the workforce.”

Anita Wolff, volunteer and longtime nurse, said there is a real need for the clinic because people need coverage during these hindering circumstances.

“The whole medical world is changing and the outlook on patient care,” Wolff said. “That is why there is a huge need for the clinic and volunteering is only a little piece of my time.”

Wolff started volunteering one night a week a few years back, but she said over the years a greater need for the service led her to volunteer 2-3 times a week.

“It’s very much a need in the area and it has always been my pleasure to help,” Wolff said. “It is just something we need to do in society.”

The private, non-profit service focuses on treatment, screening and patient education, while providing quality care and encouraging wellness to the uninsured and under-insured persons in the local service area.

Smith said most of the people that come into the clinic are looking for relief from chronic diseases to the common cold.

If further assistance is necessary for treatments, the clinic will refer patients to other local municipalities for help and free prescriptions are available to patients through a grant program if needed.

The Community Outreach Health Clinic relies on private contributions, support and help from local businesses, foundations and volunteers. The clinic is an organization under the guidance of Community Outreach Health Services and Froedtert Health.

“We are blessed to have this clinic in the community and there is still a huge need for this clinic,” Dresang said.

Hours

5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday
(Appointments strongly suggested and walk-in patients will be accepted between 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)

10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday
(By appointment only)

To schedule an appointment or for more information call (262) 257-3393.