The not-for-profit Calcasieu Community Clinic, located in Hardtner Hall on the McNeese State University campus, was founded in 1999 and opened in 2001 by a group of concerned physicians to address the health care needs of persons who fall through the health care coverage cracks. Since then, they’ve provided over $7 million dollars in medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision services to low-income, working, uninsured residents of Southwest Louisiana at a 100% fee subsidized rate. The clinic is staffed by volunteer practitioners, and satellite services are offered on a voluntary basis by providers throughout Southwest Louisiana.
The Clinic suspended services in March 2020 due to the pandemic and had planned a September re-opening. But then Hurricanes Laura and Delta came, presenting a new set of challenges. Hardtner Hall sustained significant water damage during the storms. The entire clinic area needed to be gutted and rebuilt, says Kayla Rigney, Executive Director. But throughout the closure, staff members continued to serve their clients.
“While Hardtner Hall [the College of Nursing building] was closed for repairs, the Clinic staff took essential items to their respective homes in order to continue operations for existing patients on a virtual level by filling prescriptions and covering the cost through grant funding provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation,” Rigney says. “Through continual contact with existing patients, a generous grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and the cooperation of Albertson’s Pharmacy on Ryan Street, the established patients were able to continue to receive their life-sustaining medication at no cost during the period of closure.”
The Clinic reopened their doors in March 2021. They see patients on Thursday afternoons beginning at 4:00 p.m.
New patients are asked to arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. Eligible persons are employed, (or recently unemployed) and uninsured.
Persons are asked to bring photo ID, proof of employment, and a tax return, if available. Clients are screened for eligibility and see a practitioner the same evening. Often, necessary prescription medication is provided as well.
For more information, visit the website at www.calcasieucommunityclinic.com or call 337-478-8650.
