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Health news and issues in the Ozarks.

IMAGES: Mercy Clinic at MSU Offers Unisured Patients New Resource

A new primary care clinic opening this week aims to help over 2,000 patients in its first year that might otherwise struggle to get treatment.

On Monday, officials with Mercy Springfield and Missouri State University unveiled the new MSU Care Clinic inside the school’s O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Building. It provides healthcare access for low-income, uninsured patients who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.

Credit Scott Harvey / KSMU
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KSMU
Teresa McCullouch and Holly Martinez (Center left) help cut the ribbon on the new Mercy Care Clinic Monday.

Teresa McCulloch was a patient at the Kitchen Clinic – which is closing. For a time she was making frequent trips to the ER, suffered from abnormal bleeding, and was later diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

“With their care… I wouldn’t have been able to get a job – I wasn’t healthy. I am now healthy and strong.”

She implored others in her shoes to seek out services like MSU’s Care Clinic.

“Whether it’s medical, dental or mental, come see them. They will help you and they will get you back on your feet.”

MSU President Clif Smart said that stories like McCulloch’s are what helped inspire the collaboration for the clinic.

Credit Scott Harvey / KSMU
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KSMU
The Mercy Care Clinic features 10 exam rooms.

“Until you hear someone tell their story of how that literally changes their lives, saves their lives so that they can live happy, productive, meaningful lives because their healthcare is under control – that’s what we’re doing today,” says Smart. “That’s the thing that drives Mercy, and the university, along with the incredible opportunity for our students to study and learn this incredible profession.”

The MSU Care Clinic features ten exam rooms. It’s located on the south wing of the O’Reilly building’s first floor, and also offers hands-on training for students in health sciences degree programs at MSU. The building houses the university’s new Master of Occupational Therapy program, as well as its nursing, nurse anesthesiology, and physician assistant programs.

The clinic anticipates receiving over 7,500 visits from some 2,000 patients in its first year, many of whom will transition from the free clinic at The Kitchen, Inc.

The MSU Care Clinic opens Tuesday. Patients who wish to make an appointment can call 417-837-2270.

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