JOPLIN, Mo. — One year ago, the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri set out to make health care more accessible to all Missourians. Partnering with the Salvation Army, they launched a free pop-up clinic that sees patients every second Friday of the month.
What began with one volunteer doctor seeing seven patients and clinic staff administering 25 vaccines has since grown into a thriving program. Now the pop-up clinic includes two doctors, clinic staff, volunteers and a patient advocate, an expansion made possible by the community’s dedication to volunteerism.
Initially envisioned as a mobile unit, the program adapted to provide scheduled care at a single, reliable location. This consistency has helped patients overcome both physical and mental barriers to care.
“We’ve realized there’s a whole population who, for various reasons, are forgotten about, not seeking care or don’t know they can receive care from us,” said Stephanie Brady, executive director of the clinic.
The pop-up clinic also has a patient advocate work with patients to set up care with the Community Clinic for chronic issues needing regular long-term care.
Moving into their second year, the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri remains committed to expanding access to care. The pop-up clinic is available to the community on the second Friday of each month from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army in Joplin, Mo.
The Community Clinic can provide care and the pop-up clinic due to volunteers from the community as well as practice facilitation from the University of Missouri Family and Community Medicine department.
