Editorial: Free Clinic a welcome addition

Too often in today’s economy people with legitimate needs “fall between the cracks” of our welfare system.

Thanks to volunteers of the Free Clinic of Alpena, when it comes to health care, those needs will be addressed. While it is true some of the patients who will be treated traditionally would have received care elsewhere, the Free Clinic should ultimately become the place for these patients and thus, provide a huge asset to other area medical facilities.

While located at the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. Steve Hammond explained the clinic — because of a diversity of volunteers — will not offer faith counseling in addition to treatment. However, as part of the church facility, the clinic complements other outreach programs located at the church, and thus fits into the church’s philosophy of missions within the community.

The clinic operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. and reservations are requested to reduce the waiting time for patients. In just a few short weeks of operation already the clinic has the volunteer help of 25 medical personnel — including doctors, physician assistants and nurses.

The Free Clinic of Alpena is an excellent example of volunteers reaching out and addressing one of the important needs facing our region. We applaud their effort of making a difference.