Churches to offer free health clinics

For those with no health care insurance or high deductibles, a simple check up or child's physical can be a financial challenge.

Two DuPage area churches will help families meet some of their basic health care needs with free one-day clinics in November.

Families and individuals can visit Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Naperville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3 or Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17.

Too often churches forget to reach out to help community members who aren't in their congregation, said the Rev. Mark Borgetti, pastor of Our Saviour's Celebration Campus, where many of the clinic services will be set up at 815 S. Washington St. in Naperville. The free clinics are one way the church is reaching out to help those in need.

"I don't consider them poor. I consider them under-resourced," Borgetti said. "We want to help people. That's what Jesus tells us to do."

The clinics will allow families and individuals to avail themselves of various services including medical and dental screenings, hair cuts, clothing closets, food pantries and even family photos.

"Whatever you need, just show up," Borgetti said.

Haircuts for a family of five will cost at least $50 at a salon and the most basic doctor's visit can cost more than $100 for someone who doesn't have insurance. That doesn't leave much room in the budget for a family portrait, said Amy Herring, pastoral assistant for caring service ministry at Trinity Lutheran, 405 S. Rush St., Roselle.

But for some who come to the free clinics, the service will offer something even more priceless -- time with a physician.

Each person will have about 15 minutes with a doctor for a medical screening. Dentists and chiropractors will also be on hand and a volunteer advocate will be available to help people through each area, Herring said.

"For many of the people, they just want to be heard," she said.

Doctors and dentists will not be prescribing medicine or filling cavities during the clinics, but will be screening participants for potential problems and referring them for services, Herring said. Many will be eligible for special programs to help the uninsured or under-insured based on their family income.

Both churches are modeling their clinics on the Kentucky-based Touched Twice Ministry, which has a goal of offering a free clinic in every county across the country. Their mission is to touch people twice, first by meeting their physical needs through the clinics and then their spiritual needs through prayer and worship.

Organizing the clinics takes a tremendous effort from hundreds of volunteers in the church and the community.

Herring and Borgetti said they could not offer the clinics without the support of doctors, nurses, dentists, hair stylists and many others who volunteer their time and materials.

"It's amazing how they want to help. I have three chiropractors who are closing their offices for the day to come," Herring said.

Anyone who wants to volunteer at either clinic is asked to call the churches. For Our Saviour's clinic in Naperville, call (630) 355-2522. For Trinity Lutheran's clinic, call (630) 894-3263 ext. 220.

Anyone needing services at the free clinics can just show up that day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both churches will be prepared to assist hundreds of area residents needing assistance.

If you go

What:Free health clinics are being offered to DuPage County residents by these churches. No appointments are necessary. Volunteers also are welcome.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Celebration Campus, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, (630) 355-2522

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 S. Rush St., Roselle, (630) 894-3263 ext. 220