Judy Dasovich talks with Mark Bower, M.D., a longtime volunteer physician at the Kitchen Clinic and its current medical director.
The clinic provides health care for those who have no public or private insurance and are at or below 133% of the federal poverty guidelines. Their services include medical care, dental care and access to medication. Although they do not have a staff psychiatrist, they do their best to provide needed mental health care for patients without access. They currently have one student from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology who provides behavioral health counseling on a limited basis. It is the largest free clinic in southwest Missouri and serves residents from all over the region. Their funding comes from private donations and grants. It was started by Sister Lorraine Biebel and some local physicians in 1985. Initially patients were seen once per month in a donated van. The Clinic now has its own office space and sees patients five days a week. Approximately 15% of patients are homeless, but most are people who have jobs but cannot afford health care. Dr. Bower emphasizes that medical care is important but does not in and of itself relieve patients of the multiple burdens of poverty.
Due to the recent recession, the clinic has received less financial support, and services have necessarily been curtailed. Donations would be appreciated and can be sent to the address below.
People wishing to access clinic services need to provide documentation regarding their income and that of household members. Contact information is provided below.
The Kitchen Clinic
1630 N. Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
417.837.1504
For more information, click here.
