The Genesee County Free Medical Clinic has been a vital healthcare resource in Flint, Michigan, since 1991. With a mission to provide quality care to the employed uninsured, the clinic offers a safe and respectful environment for patients, regardless of race, creed, or ethnicity. Over 100 volunteer healthcare professionals provide physician consultation, health education, specialist referrals, and prescription medications.
Addressing Community Challenges
Flint has faced significant challenges, most notably the water crisis that began in 2014. The switch from using Lake Huron water to Flint River water resulted in elevated lead levels, bacterial contamination, and serious health problems, the effects of which continue to impact the community. The Genesee County Free Medical Clinic has been integral in meeting the ongoing healthcare needs of residents and also provides an onsite food pantry and clothing essentials.
New On-Site Lab Installation at the Clinic
The Genesee County Free Medical Clinic was selected to receive a Point of Care, Enhancing Clinical Effectiveness grant through the collaborative program with Heart to Heart International (HHI), BD, Henry Schein Cares, and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
On July 24, 2024, HHI provided a new on-site lab installation and then trained the clinic staff on eleven new testing systems, including hemoglobin A1c, lipid panel, and rapid testing for conditions like COVID-19 and influenza. This new equipment allows the clinic to provide patients with immediate results and treatment during a single visit.
Improving Patient Care with New Technology
The impact of this new technology is evident in the experience of Antonia, a long-time patient with a clotting disorder. Managing her health, which includes several disorders and a clotting disorder, has presented numerous challenges during her time at the free clinic. Before the clinic received the point-of-care lab installation, Antonia had to visit the hospital weekly for lab work, a significant burden in addition to her regular clinic visits for medication adjustments and other care. Transportation difficulties and health issues sometimes made it appear she was non-compliant.
Now, with on-site testing, Antonia comes to the clinic every Wednesday, relieved to have all her needs met in one place and confident that her health is being closely monitored. This has resulted in a complete turnaround in Antonia’s sense of control and proactive approach to her health.
A Vital Resource for Flint
For over three decades, the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic has been a vital resource for the Flint community, providing essential healthcare services and addressing the broader social needs of its patients. By embracing new technologies like point-of-care testing, the clinic continues to adapt and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of this resilient community. The enhanced ability to provide same-day results and treatment not only streamlines care but also ensures that patients like Antonia receive the timely attention and support they need to manage their health effectively.