By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Outreach Clinic has been providing lifesaving healthcare for the uninsured in the greater Brandon area for over 25 years. The clinic is located at 517 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.
The Brandon Outreach Clinic started out seeing patients on a first-come first-see basis one evening a week. Over the years, the clinic has grown and is now open four days a week as well as several evenings a week. The clinic treats and manages most chronic diseases. The clinic also offers health screenings such as well women exams, mammograms, diabetic education and nutritional counseling.
Debbie Meegan, the Executive Director of the Brandon Outreach Clinic said, “We have been blessed in the last few years with a number of retired medical providers who can work a regular weekly schedule. This has allowed us to function as a medical home for our patients, and patients can see the same provider for their follow up appointments.”
In addition to providing continuity of care, the clinic has expanded its services. Specifically, the clinic now offers “The Lending Closet.” Those in need of medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, canes, crutches, orthopedic boots, braces and CPAP machines can borrow these items free of charge. Meegan said, “We receive a lot of donated medical supplies every week from the community so we are happy to pass them on to people who cannot afford to purchase them.”
In addition, the Brandon Outreach Clinic offers information and assistance on enrollment in the Affordable Care Act. “We were finding that most of our patients lacked information and did not have the resources to understand the programs. We collaborated with Navigators and Certified Application Counselors who have assisted our patients with education and the enrollment process. A lot of our patients have medical needs beyond our limited resources, so they are grateful to find out they have options.”
As the Brandon Outreach Clinic celebrates 25 years of serving the uninsured, they need the community’s support. “We would encourage everyone who wants to be a part of helping our community remain healthy and productive, to donate today. You don’t have to be a medical provider to save a life,” said Meegan.
Visit www.brandonoutreachclinic or call 654-1388.
