Darlington Free Medical Clinic prepares for coronavirus aftereffects
The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 500 W. Carolina Ave. in Hartsville, and 203 Grove St. in Darlington, continues to meet the primary care and prescription needs for the uninsured of the county.
Although both clinics are operating on a reduced schedule, high-quality, free healthcare continues to be provided using CDC- and DHEC-recommended social distancing, telehealth and other practices. No walk-ins are being currently accepted. All patients must call the clinic before arriving.
The Hartsville clinic is open 9-4 on Monday and Tuesday and the Darlington clinic is open 9-4 Wednesday through Friday. New patients should contact the clinic at (843) 398-0060 or (843) 332-0422, to arrange for a patient application package.
The economic effects of the pandemic are unknown at this point, but the expectation is that a significant number of job losses will occur, and as a result many folks may suddenly find themselves without health insurance.
The Board of the Free Medical Clinic has authorized staff to modify eligibility criteria as needed to meet the ongoing primary care needs for these individuals. Clinic staff, The South Carolina Free Clinic Association and The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics are continuing to talk with pharmaceutical partners to expand their eligibility criteria to meet the needs created by this crisis.
“The primary goal is to ensure that patients with chronic conditions continue to have access to the healthcare and medications they need,” says Kathy Shuler, R.PH, board president.
“The Clinic is in no way trying to take patients away from their provider; rather we will work with the patient and the patient’s current medical provider to provide continuity of care for patients who may temporarily lose health coverage.”
If you or someone you know loses health insurance due to the crisis created by the coronavirus, contact the clinic to see how The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County can help.
