Catherine's Health Center helps low-income people get the healthcare they need

Admittedly, I have a keen interest in clinics that offer low- or no-cost services to people who cannot afford medical care. I am one of the millions of people over the age of 50, but under the age of 65, who cannot afford medical insurance.

So, when I heard about Catherine's Health Center, 1211 Lafayette Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Mich., naturally I rejoiced. Since 1996, CHC has provided a variety of services, including examinations, immunizations, education, testing, screening, and referrals to qualified residents of the northeast sections of Grand Rapids.

There are specialized programs for women, including the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCCP). Low-income, uninsured women aged 40-64 are eligible for free pap smears and mammograms. The Betty Ford Mobile bus makes stops regularly.

CHC's WISE Women Program (The Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) assesses chronic disease factors by conducting a health history, lifestyle assessment, and clinical screening (lipids, blood sugar, and BMI). An individual plan is then developed to help improve health.

Hard-to-access eye services are also available to those without insurance: routine diabetic eye exams, and screening for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other chronic diseases that affect eye health.

CHC's Medication Assistance Program allows the clinic to work with pharmaceutical companies to enroll patients for prescription assistance, and to distribute free prescriptions, sample mediation, diabetic glucose monitor and testing strips, and short-term medication dispensing.

So, if you have no medical insurance or prescription coverage, CHC may just be a viable option for you. CHC is open by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Get involved:

- Volunteer.
- Donate.
- Keep up-to-date -- sign up for CHC's newsletter.

Source: Catherine's Health Center website
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of Catherine's Health Center's website and Facebook page