About

Christian Nursing Service has operated a free clinic for the uninsured at the Milligan Memorial Church since 1968 utilizing an extensive network of nurses, doctors, and citizen volunteers. The ongoing need for maintenance and privacy at the existing facility, the increasing complexity of health care needs, and the loss of the organization's volunteer physician led organizers to seek a new home and a new model for the clinic.

The new clinic will offer free basic medical and dental services to uninsured residents (both children and adults) who meet income guidelines. Residents who meet 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines ($29,140 for a family of two, $44,100 for a family of four, and $59,060 for a family of six) will be eligible to receive services.

"Every day I encounter children and adults who simply do not have access to medical care," said Christine Amidon, RN, BSN, who is President of the Board of Directors of Christian Nursing Service. "This generous grant from NCHS will enable us to provide acute and preventive health and dental services to people in our county who are currently going without care. We have a team of medical, nursing, and other professionals who are ready to put this plan into action."

The Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic will be the fourth Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) facility in the state, joining clinics located in Bloomington, Columbus and Indianapolis. VIM is a national organization that promotes and supports free medical clinics that are sprinkled across the United States. VIM brings a "Culture of Caring" to the clinic. "Culture of Caring" recognizes the strengths of those in need and respects their dignity. For more information about VIM, see http://www.volunteersinmedicine.org/.