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Quick Facts:
Springfield
It has been 10 years since Mercy and Missouri State University teamed up to open the MSU Care Clinic. The clinic opened in 2015 on the MSU campus to provide free health services and medication to underserved and uninsured patients. In September 2024, the scope of care expanded to include Medicaid patients, and leaders from both organizations joined community members today to celebrate and honor the clinic’s impact.
Connie Sayre has worked at the MSU Care Clinic from day one. “I love that we’re here to care for our patients and that MSU and Mercy have teamed up to make sure the most vulnerable members of our community have access to care,” she said.
Since opening in 2015, the MSU Care Clinic has cared for more than 33,000 patients and currently sees an average of 210 patients a month. Many of its visitors can’t afford traditional primary care providers or have put off medical care altogether. “Our goal is to provide a medical home for our patients who often don’t fit into the traditional health care model,” said Justin Gassel, clinic manager. “Many are homeless, lack transportation or don’t know how to connect to the community resources that can help them. Our team does an incredible job of meeting all their needs, whether it’s helping to manage their diabetes, giving them groceries to take home or coats in the wintertime or getting them screened for cancer.”
The clinic is staffed by providers from Mercy and MSU and serves as a clinic training site for students in MSU’s physician assistant, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, dietetics and nursing programs. Along with primary care services, the MSU Care Clinic provides simple procedures, vaccines, pharmacy counseling, nutritional guidance, lab work, EKGs and more.
“Hosting the MSU Care Clinic is an honor that exemplifies Missouri State’s public affairs mission in action,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. “This clinic gives our students invaluable hands-on experience while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to serve others as future health care professionals. At the same time, the members of our community with the most significant needs benefit from quality, accessible care, demonstrating that lasting impact happens when education, compassion and community partnerships work hand in hand.”
To meet patient needs, the clinic is supported by several community organizations, including Burrell, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Convoy of Hope, The Kitchen, Mercy Health Foundation, Ozarks Counseling Center, O’Reilly Center of Hope, Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation and Ozarks Food Harvest, which provide fresh produce, shelf-stable food boxes, winter clothing, hygiene kits and more.
Today’s gathering to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MSU Care Clinic was an important recognition of the profound impact community leaders can have when they join together to care for those in need.
