McLaren Bay Region
Helen M Nickless Free Clinic Volunteer

WELCOME TO THE HELEN M. NICKLESS VOLUNTEER CLINIC!

McLaren recognizes the need for quality health care, no matter a person’s financial status. It is because of our dedication to people, that our free clinics offer quality health care services to the uninsured and medically underserved in our communities.

For those who qualify, McLaren free clinics offer vaccinations, check-ups, and other wellness services for adults and their children. A team of Licensed professional Caregivers and other volunteers are donating their time tonight to provide your care.

Patient Information

The space used for our clinic is available to us ONLY on Wed. evenings starting at 4:00 P.M. All other times the area is home to the Family Health and Wellness Center (FHWC). The FHWC staff is unable to assist you, as they are not connected to the Volunteer Clinic. If you need assistance between visits please call the clinic line at (989) 895-4830. Leave a message and an employee will contact you within 3-4 days.

If you have an emergency medical problem please seek care at the Emergency Department at McLaren. Eligibility for Clinic

  • Your income must be under 250% of the National Poverty level. An intake volunteer will explain this process to you.
  • You must have no health care insurance or only catastrophic insurance.
  • If you qualify for the Michigan Medicaid Plan you will be requested to apply for it. One of our volunteers will assist you with this.
  • You will be asked to go through the intake and income process once a year. This is necessary to assure that your information is updated. However, we ask that you inform us whenever you have personal changes such as address, phone number, employment, etc.

Primary Care

Once you have been established as our patient, we will provide all your primary care. We ask that you do not continue to seek care from your previous primary providers as this creates the possibility of duplicate care. If this is a problem for you, please discuss it with us.

We appreciate your cooperation in these matters. Your health is important to us and we will work with you to help you connect with the health resources you need. Thank you for coming to the Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinic.

About the Clinic

The Volunteer Clinic has been providing care to the uninsured at no cost since March 2004.  We serve those who are unable to afford medical care. Patients are seen every Wednesday evening and must sign in between 4:00 pm-6:30 pm. There are no appointments. Treatment is provided by local licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioner and mental health counselors who volunteer their time, as well as nurses and non clinical staff. Community volunteers assist every Wednesday night in the clinic.

Services include exams, lab, x-ray, medical supplies and prescribed drugs. On clinic nights we also assist patients in signing up for insurance.

The clinic will provide limited diagnostic and treatment services for individuals who do not have health insurance and are unable to pay for health care.

Please note: At times, the patient volume is high. Know that the Clinic staff will stay and see all qualified patients who have signed in that evening.

Services offered:

The Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinic offers free primary medical care, including lab and X-ray, to patients of all ages. We will assist patients in obtaining medication prescribed through the clinic.

We are sorry, but the Clinic is unable to perform or provide the following:

  • Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
  • HIV Testing or Counseling
  • Birth Control Services
  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Pre-or-Postnatal care
  • Drug Testing
  • Routine Immunizations
  • TB Skin Testing
  • Hearing Aids
  • Controlled Drugs/Narcotics
  • Substance Abuse Services
  • Second opinions

While the Volunteer Clinic is unable to provide these services, someone is available to assist in referrals for these services.

The Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinic is an access point for meeting the primary health care needs of the economically disadvantaged residents in the Bay area. We serve with deep compassion and respect those who fall through the medical safety net and help them connect with basic health resources by offering education, prevention, and treatment.

Volunteers Needed

Clinical and Non-Clinical Staff - (This includes RN's LPN's MA's EMT's, CNA's, other health care workers and lay volunteers.) Please return the completed application, confidentiality form, and background check form to us. See the welcome letter for details.

Volunteer Application
Confidentiality Form
Background Check Form
Volunteer Welcome Letter  
Privacy & Security training materials
Privacy & Security online test

Licensed Health Care Practitioners - The clinic has an ongoing need for licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental health counselors. We will schedule you as often or seldom as you wish. If you are interested in joining us, please mail a completed application, confidentiality form, and background check form along with a copy of your licenses and CV. Note the liability information and letter from our medical director.

Licensed Practitioner Volunteer Application
Confidentiality Form
Background Check Form
Liability Letter
Provider Letter
Counselor Letter 
Privacy & Security training materials
Privacy & Security online test

Dental Professionals -We are also in need of dentists, dental hygienists and assistants to work in our dental clinics which are held at Delta College. If you are interested in joining this team please mail the completed application, confidentiality form, and background check form to us along with your current license. Note the liability information below.

Dental Professional Volunteer Application
Confidentiality Form
Background Check Form
Liability Letter
Privacy & Security training materials
Privacy & Security online test

Specialists: - Our patients are often in need of referrals to specialists including physicians, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists and others.  If you are willing to accept patients upon referral, please contact us for details.  Note attached liability information.

Liability Letter