St. Ann's looking to expand

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - More and more people living in the Wabash Valley find themselves without health insurance, which makes it difficult for some to get medical help.

One place is working to fill that need, so much so, that they're looking to expand.

St. Ann's Medical Clinic in Terre Haute helps thousands of people each year.

They provide primary health care services to low-income patients that don't have health insurance and a primary physician, all for free.

"This past May, I believe is the busiest month we've ever had in 14 years, and so the need for our services is great and continues to grow," Volunteer Medical Director Dr. Jim Turner said.

The clinic doesn't only help patients. It also serves as a learning tool for medical students, giving them hands-on experience.

"We need training sites obviously and this is a great one, when you go to medical school in Terre Haute, the first place you see patients, is here," Turner said.

The number of folks living below the poverty line in Vigo County is rising, and the clinic sees the need for their services growing as well.

"Of course the economy has gone down and people have lost a lot of jobs, but the need is ever-increasing," Administrator Sister Lawrence Ann Liston said.

That's why they feel now is the time to expand what they offer.

"I think we've been able to do a good job, but we just need to look at you know, the future in what is possible you know, in order to sustain what we're doing," Liston said.

St. Ann's plans on applying to become a federally designated community center, which could mean more money.

Their efforts are still in the beginning stages, and they have to wait until this fall to submit their application.

For now, these volunteers will care for the patients that continue to pour in, hoping there's some federal relief on the way.

To volunteer or donate to St. Ann's Medical Clinic, call (812) 232-7447 ext. 104 or by email, lliston@spsmw.org