A long-time area provider of free and affordable healthcare services has a new name as part of an expanded effort to offer medical services to a broader audience.
The Northwest Arkansas Free Health Clinic is now “WelcomeHealth,” a name that better reflects the nonprofit clinic’s mission following changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to Monika Fischer-Massie, executive director of WelcomeHealth.
“We felt that our previous name created a misconception in the community that we were simply a place for the uninsured to receive free care,” Fischer-Massie said. “Truth is, we provide medical services for that group as well as for the fully insured, including those who face challenges meeting co-pays, deductibles and other ancillary charges.”
While ACA has made health care more accessible for thousands of area families who were previously uncovered, the cost of monthly insurance premiums, prescriptions and co-pays means many still cannot afford basic medical services, Fischer-Massie said.
Opened in 1986, the center provides a number of services, from primary care and prescriptions to specialties such as dental, pulmonology, women’s health, mental health and more. WelcomeHealth records about 12,000 patient visits annually, according to Fischer-Massie. The medical staff is made up of about 30 healthcare professionals, most of whom are volunteers.
“None if this would be possible without the kindness of volunteers and the generosity of donors and corporate sponsors who provide financial help. Thanks to them, many of our neighbors are leading healthy–and thus productive–lives,” Fischer-Massie said.
WelcomeHealth is located at 1100 N. Woolsey Ave. near the VA Medical Center and the UAMS Northwest campus.