About Free Health Clinics in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia

Eastern Panhandle residents facing rough financial times or resident without health insurance can find health care services at the free clinics in the region. While only one of the clinics operates as a full-service facility, all of the clinics cover a wide range of health care needs. Two independent clinics exist along with clinics sponsored by the county health departments in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. In addition, a low-cost program serves those who can't afford to pay much for medical or dental care, with fees starting as low as $10.

The Eastern Panhandle Free Clinic

• This clinic offers free medical care and free prescriptions. In fact, the clinic provided patients with more than $2 million in free prescriptions during 2008, according to The Journal newspaper. The clinic serves about 2,800 patients. Because of high demand for services, the clinic goes through periods when they do not accept new patients. Potential patients must provide proof of income and a medicaid denial letter, if applicable. The clinic can be reached at 304-724-6091.

Good Samaritan Free Clinic

• The Good Samaritan Free Clinic, staffed by volunteers from local churches, operates with a limited schedule. The clinic, located in downtown Martinsburg, is open each Wednesday night starting at 5 p.m. and runs until about 9 p.m. On the third Thursday of the month, the clinic opens at 6:30 p.m. A mobile clinic for the homeless is available at 6 p.m. every third Monday. The clinic can be reached at 304-264-4049, however, the number is not always staffed. Services include exams, urgent care, prescriptions and spiritual counseling. Patients are advised to arrive one hour before the clinic opens because slots fill up fast, according to a volunteer staff member.

County Health Departments

• Eastern Panhandle county health departments offer regularly scheduled free clinics for limited services. Services vary from county to county, but generally include vaccinations, HIV and TB testing, blood pressure screenings and women's gynecological exams. If you are interested in these services, call ahead or check online for scheduling. Some of the clinics require an appointment.

Shenandoah Community Health

• Shenandoah Community Health offers a low-cost option for those who can afford a $10 payment for an appointment. Healthy Smiles Community Oral Health Center, a dental clinic, is also operated by Shenandoah. Shenandoah operates branch clinics in Charles Town and Berkeley Springs.

  The clinic provides complete medical care for any condition and serves adults and children. The clinic is open some evenings and Saturdays. Blood samples can be taken on-site.

  A patient advocate helps patients obtain prescription discount cards and discounts from manufacturers.

  Shenandoah usually accepts new patients at the beginning of each month. Proof of income in the form of pay stubs or a tax return, is required. The clinic can be reached at 304-263-4999.

Considerations

• For those with chronic health conditions, a clinic offering a range of services and free or low-cost prescriptions is probably the best option. The Eastern Panhandle Free Clinic and Shenandoah Community Health offer comprehensive care for ongoing health problems and operate like a regular doctor's office. For acute issues, say a sinus infection, sore throat, ear infection or other short-term issues, the Good Samaritan Clinic would be a good option. County Health Departments offer limited free services.