There are some very special people in our community who understand what it is like to be ill but unable to visit a doctor. In the late 1990's their concern led to the formation of a steering committee whose members envisioned a place where people without access to healthcare could come for medical treatment.
As a result of their vision, and with the assistance of McLaren Northern Michigan, the Community Free Clinic opened its doors in January 1998. The Clinic is staffed by professional and lay volunteers who donate their time and expertise to provide a temporary refuge of healthcare until other medical homes become available. The Clinic is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, civic groups, grants, foundations, and McLaren Northern Michigan. If you qualify to receive services, there is no charge for care.
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Location
416 Connable Avenue – Petoskey Main campus of McLaren Northern Michigan. Follow perimeter drive around to back of Hospital.
Clinic Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Wednesday at 1 p.m.
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Patient Clinics Offered
- Wednesday Walk-In Clinic
Sign-in, eligibility screening and triage starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m.
Patients may leave after screening but are asked to return between 5 – 5:30 p.m. when the volunteers arrive.
- Monday Afternoon Appointment Clinic
From 1 to 4:30 p.m. for those patients who work or go to school on Wednesday evenings.
Call-ins welcome Monday morning if the schedule allows.
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Clinic Eligibility
Income: Your income must be less than 225% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Insurance
You must not be covered by any of the following health programs:
- Health Insurance
- Medicare
- Full Medicaid (exception – certain qualifying spend-down programs)
- Tribal Insurance
- Veteran’s Healthcare
- Workman’s Compensation
Residency
New patients must be residents of Emmet county.
To ensure you are eligible, you must bring the following to your first visit:
Proof of income, including spouse income (paycheck stubs, unemployment stubs, last tax return, etc.)
Proof of Emmet County residency with photo (driver’s license, state ID card, voter registration)
Social Security number
All bottles of current medications
Any current medical records
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Services Not Available:
- Pain management
- Mental health management
- Drug testing
- Medical equipment
- Emergency Department visits
- Hospital care
- Hearing aids
- Medications for ADHD, psychosis, weight loss, cosmetic purposes, erectile dysfunction, birth control, immunizations, or controlled substances
- Mental health counseling
- Minor or major surgery
- Pre or post-natal care
- Routine pap smears or mammograms
- STD testing
- Disability exams
- Second Opinions
- Care for injuries or illnesses associated with Workman’s Compensation
If there is a wait, we ask for your patience. Many of your neighbors have lost their health insurance and, they too, require our services.
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MISSION STATEMENT
To provide free access to primary medical services for individuals in our area who have a low income, little or no health insurance, and who are ineligible for federal or state medical assistance programs.
To serve as an organizing entity for health professionals and other community members who are willing to volunteer their services to meet this need for medical care.
OPERATIONS AT THE CLINIC ARE DEPENDENT UPON COMMUNITY SUPPORT
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