The Open Arms Free Clinic serves and ministers to the medically uninsured / disadvantaged residents of Oklahoma County with appropriate, free, clinic-based health care, education and spiritual encouragement.? The Open Arms Free Clinic is supported by contributions to the Deaconess Foundation and if you'd like to make a gift, click the Giving Opportunity button on the left.
The Open Arms Free Clinic...
???? ...is a collaborative effort among the MacArthur Free Methodist Church, the Oklahoma County Medical Society and Deaconess Hospital.? Equally important is the blend of community volunteers who join together to provide compassionate, health care services throughout the year.
Every week, 25 patients walk through the doors of the church for health care services.? more than 9,000 patient visits have occurred since the clinic began in 1993.? Hundreds of volunteers have provided free treatment for basic health care needs, flu shots and prescription medications.
Goals of the Open Arms Free Clinic are:
- Provision of minor, urgent, short-term health care for people not currently under a physician's care.
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- Provision of social, emotional and spiritual counseling, as well as direction and education, leading to improved physical health.
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- Development of a referral base of health care professionals willing to work with disadvantaged patients within the patient's financial limitations.
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- Offering an active site for educational experiences of health care students.
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- Providing disadvantaged, uninsured people seeking health care assistance with a framework and plan to tap into resources available to them and their life situation.
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- Guide and encourage patients to set goals and learn to give back to the community and get back on their feet, thereby no longer needing the services of the clinic.
Open Arms Free Clinic Patients' Stories
"My wife and I just moved to Oklahoma City.? I found a job, but it doesn't have health insurance.? My wife isn't able to work because of her health condition.? Unfortunately, I developed sinusitis--not just the typical kind, but so bad that I ended up in the ER a couple of times.? I had to be off work a couple months--luckily I didn't lose my job.? But Open Arms Free Clinic helped me get through that transition time.? Now I'm back at work, but I haven't forgotten the kind people at Open Arms."
"I was grocery checker for 20 years, but due to high blood pressure, I couldn't continue to work.? The next year I would have been on Medicare, but I was too ill to keep working.? I needed health care services, but with only my social security check, I couldn't afford it.? That's when I found the Open Arms Free Clinic.? They've taken good care of me.? Soon I'll be on Medicare, but I really appreciate the Open Arms Free Clinic for filling the gap."
Open Arms Free Clinic treats acute illnesses such as infections, colds and flu.? Volunteer physicians assess and treat patients.? Prescription medications are dispensed if available.? Should the patient require additional care with a medical specialist, the Oklahoma County Medical Society works to find a physician who will provide follow-up care either at no cost or reduced cost.? Laboratory and X-ray services are provided at Deaconess Hospital.? Also, Deaconess provides a registered nurse to coordinate the clinic.
The Free Methodist Church offers patients a calm setting for their spiritual and physical healing.? Ministers are available to assist patients with prayer and spiritual guidance.
The Open Arms Free Clinic relies on volunteer physician, pharmacists, nurses, medical students, social workers and many others.? Additionally, physician' office donate prescription medications to the clinic.? Questions about volunteer opportunities and prescription medication donations can be directed to .
Donations to the Open Arms Free Clinic are coordinated by the Deaconess Foundation, .
General questions about the clinic hours can be answered by calling or .
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