Free Health Clinic Opening Soon in Benton Park
Opening on November 16, 2019, the Salam Free Health Clinic at Epiphany United Church of Christ in Benton Park will provide basic medical screening, treatment, and referrals free of charge for adults 18 and older with no insurance.
More information from Salam Health Clinic below:
Were you aware that 39% of residents in the area surrounding Epiphany UCC in South St. Louis live at or below the poverty level? Also, did you know that approximately 30-50% of residents in the area have no health insurance? Despite the Affordable Care Act, many South St. Louisans still lack access to basic healthcare. Missouri being one of the several states that did not expand Medicaid has compounded this problem.
Healthcare access is a basic human right. Epiphany being a justice-minded congregation has a wonderful opportunity to help things change! After several discussions between a group of Muslim physicians and Deaconess Faith Community, Salam Clinic has agreed to open an additional free Saturday health clinic at Epiphany in November 2019.
Salam Clinic began as an effort of the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL), an organization dedicated to helping others. Co-founded by Dr. Zia Ahmad and Dr. Bahar Bastani, the first clinic opened its doors in 2008 at Lane Tabernacle CME Church in North County and expanded its clinic services to the Ferguson community through St. Peters UCC in 2013. Deaconess Nursing Ministry provides the nursing staff for the clinics. The collaboration between these organizations illustrates the commitment of all those involved to making the world a more just and peaceful place for all faiths.
The Salam Clinic has received multiple service awards in the past which include:
Focus St. Louis - What's Right with the Region Award (May 2019)
Malachi Interfaith Award (January 2019)
Deaconess Nurse Ministry Service Award
Interfaith Partnership of St. Louis- recognized Salam Clinic as an example of Interfaith Community Service
The clinic will be holding an opening ceremony at Epiphany UCC, located at 2911 McNair, St. Louis, Missouri on November 9th between 11 AM and 1 PM. Patients will be first seen on Saturday November 16, 2019 between 11 AM and 1 PM. This clinic is for adults aged 18 and older. Basic services to be offered include:
Diagnosis and treatment of non-urgent and chronic medical conditions;
Essential medications as available;
Basic laboratory tests
Basic physical examinations for purposes of employment
Chris Guelbert DNP, RN will be assisting with coordination of the clinic. Also, Epiphany has applied for a $10,000 Neighbors in Need Grant through the UCC. This application is currently under review and the money would assist with start-up costs.
Volunteers from Epiphany and surrounding congregations are needed for assistance with greeting visitors, obtaining charts, and other various duties. Nursing staff volunteers are also required. If interested, please contact Chris at 314-873-2758 or at cguelbert@hotmail.com.