By: Helen Elkins
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Meeting the needs of the community through Christ.
Faith-based Compassion Medical Clinic, located at 614 E. Edgerton St. in Bryan, is a free clinic where the uninsured and under insured members of the community can obtain medical attention.
Started as a vision of Pastor Mike Kelly’s, the clinic’s current CEO and retired pastor of Grace Community Church, it became a way for the church and medical community to share Christ’s love with the needy.
After attending an annual conference at OAFC (Ohio Association of Free Clinics), Kelly presented his vision to the church and the dream began to take shape.
While searching for a site for the clinic, they were given the current building and a large sum of money to renovate it. They continue to run completely funded through donations from local churches, organizations, and individuals.
Established in 2006, the clinic opened its doors and aided their first patient on June 1, 2007 and are still seeing patients today. Local healthcare providers donate their time and expertise to provide this care.
The clinic’s board of directors is made up of a diverse group of people coming from various backgrounds with a broad range of professional jobs, giving them a greater advantage on how to run it.
Dr. Sharrock, the clinic’s first Medical Director, helped start the clinic and has been with them from beginning. He will continue to donate his time and talent in any way he can.
The clinic is staffed with 8 providers (6 physicians, 1 nurse practitioner, and 1 physician’s assistant) and several volunteers who serve as nurses, certified medical assistants, translators, greeters, counselors, and prayer partners.
While they have many volunteers, they are always looking for more. They could also use help, from groups or churches, with providing meals for the volunteers on days they are at the clinic. Many do not have time to eat between working their jobs and volunteering at the clinic.
Compassion provides an invaluable service to the public: free office visits for medical care, non-narcotic prescriptions (at cost or less) which can be filled at the onsite pharmacy, prescription assistance for those on long-term medications, referrals to Parkview Physicians Group, as well as chiropractic care.
However, some procedures cannot be completed at the clinic. All of the x-rays and special studies are done at the hospital, which has been very gracious with their time and facility.
With Dr. Steven Bumb as the new Medical Director, Compassion Medical Clinic hopes to continue what they’re doing and improve on it wherever possible.
They want the community to know they are still here and willing to help anyone who qualifies. This includes those who have enrolled in and pay for ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans but still cannot afford routine care.
Diane Ullom, Clinical Executive Director, said, “What’s going on here is definitely God’s work. There have been times we weren’t sure the clinic could keep going and then a check would come in at just the right time.”
When asked what keeps her working at the clinic, Ullom added, “I still love what I do.”
Hours of operation are on a monthly basis and appointments are preferred. Family practice takes patients the first and last Monday and 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday from 6-9pm. Chiropractic care opens on the 1st Tuesday of the month. For more information about eligibility, volunteering or donating, please call 419-630-0313. Those needing to make an appointment can call 419-551-716.
All who qualify are welcomed with open arms and a loving smile. Compassion Medical Clinic aims to heal the body, soul, and spirit.
Helen may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
