Free Clinic of Meridian
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Free Quality Medical Care for the Uninsured
What do you do if you are sick, make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but don’t make enough to be able to afford insurance? Call The Free Clinic of Meridian, 4707 Poplar Springs Drive. There is no cost for services, and medication assistance and referrals for specialized care are available.
The Free Clinic of Meridian was founded in 2015, by a group of medical professionals and other community leaders who saw a need to care for those in our area who had little or no access to medical care. Local hospitals were seeing an ever-increasing number of uninsured individuals using Emergency Rooms as their primary source of healthcare, as well as patients who, without a source of regular healthcare, were presenting with chronic conditions that had become life-threatening.
With assistance from the local community, Volunteers in Medicine, and The American Association of Family Physicians, the Clinic opened in November of 2015 with an all-volunteer staff. Anderson Regional Health System provided a vacant clinic building, and Rush Health Systems provided lab services and other support.
To be eligible for their health services, you must qualify. Applicants will have their income and lack of insurance or eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare verified before acceptance. The Free Clinic offers 
health services to people in Lauderdale County, the five surrounding MS counties, and two adjoining AL counties. The Free Clinic of Meridian is the only entity in East MS or West AL providing free medical care and prescription assistance to uninsured adults. In addition, the clinic is totally funded through donations and private grants, receiving no state or federal assistance. The support the clinic has received, both financially and in volunteer hours, has drawn recognition from both Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC).
The Free Clinic of Meridian is fortunate to be located in a community that cares about all its citizens and is made up of individuals and organizations who are willing to donate both time and financial resources to ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical care. The Clinic’s Board of Directors and the majority of the volunteers who work at the clinic are from Meridian/Lauderdale County and give of their time because they see the impact on our patient population and honestly believe that they are helping to improve the health of our community. The clinic’s Medical Providers are all volunteers, seeing more than 900 patients and completing more than 1600 office visits per year.
“As a non-profit, be sure you have a Founding Board of Directors that represents all aspects of the organization’s needs. Take your time! The Free Clinic Board spent almost two years planning before the clinic opened. And make sure you are following all the legal and financial requirements for running a non-profit,” says Stephanie Woodall, Executive Director. “For a non-profit organization to succeed, it must be trusted by the community. Being a member of the Chamber gives the Free Clinic acceptance as a viable organization committed to serving the community. Membership also provides opportunities to interact with business leaders and others involved in community development,” Stephanie continued.
Today, the clinic continues to operate, Monday – Thursday, with a volunteer medical and front office staff supported by three employees. The Free Clinic of Meridian, Inc., in collaboration with strategic partners, provides free quality medical care and referral services, with compassion and dignity to the uninsured adults in our community.
Free Clinic of Meridian
4707 Poplar Springs Dr., Meridian, MS