13 local health clinics receive grants

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is awarding free clinics throughout the state a total of $1 million in grants that will provide health services to individuals and families without health insurance.

With the Michigan unemployment rate currently at 15.3 percent, more residents than ever are going without health insurance.

"In these difficult times, free clinics are putting health care in reach for people who need it," Lynda Rossi, Blues vice president for Social Mission and Public Affairs, said in a news release. "Free clinics are a place for uninsured people to turn to for quality health care. Uninsured residents who get care in free clinics often otherwise would delay seeing a physician because of the cost. Delay often leads to more expensive care in emergency rooms and even hospital stays."

The Blues have contributed $5 million to free clinics since 2005. This year's grant program aims to help clinics provide important services like primary care and behavioral health care, case management, dental services, specialty and diagnostic care, and prescription drugs.

About 2.5 million Michigan residents under 65 went without health insurance at some time between 2007 and 2008. Many of these individuals, along with the underinsured, are able to seek medical care from these clinics instead of making a trip to the emergency room or forgoing care. Access to free clinics also helps curb the rising cost of health care. In 2008, the free clinics were able to provide an estimated 122,000 patient visits combined.

"The only reliable source of free care is through the free clinics. There are not a lot of resources available to people without health insurance. When people are without access to health care, everyone loses," said Karen Kaashoek, executive director of Catherine's Care Center in Grand Rapids. "With this grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we are pleased to be able to continue to provide services to those in our community who are in such great need of care."

The following local free clinics in West Michigan received a grant from the Blues this year:

• Allegan -- Seeds of Grace, 311 1/2 Hubbard St., 269-288-0253
• Battle Creek -- Nursing Clinic of Battle Creek, 34 Green St., 269-962-6565
• Coldwater -- Presbyterian Health Clinic of Branch County, 15 Church St., 517-278-7848
• Grand Rapids -- Catherine's Care Center, 224 Carrier NE, 616-336-8800
• Grand Rapids -- Health Intervention Services, 15 Andre SE, 616-475-8446
• Grand Rapids -- Oasis of Hope Center, 522 Leonard St. NW, 616-451-8868
• Grand Rapids -- Project Access, 233 E. Fulton, Suite 226, 616-459-1111
• Hastings -- Barry Community Free Clinic, 1230 W. State St., 269-945-4444
• Holland -- Holland Free Health Clinic, 99 W. 26th St., 616-392-3610
• Kalamazoo -- Free Clinic of Kalamazoo, 2918 Portage St., 269-344-0044
• Marshall -- Fountain Clinic, 111 N. Jefferson, 269-781-0952
• Three Rivers -- Riverside Health Clinic, 207 E. Michigan Ave., 269-273-3744
• Zeeland -- City on a Hill Ministries Health Clinic, 100 S. Pine St., Suite 140, 616-748-6009

On the Net:

The 2008 Social Mission Report (pdf)

Blue Cross Blue Shied of Michigan