Bill Allen’s story is one shared by 47 million others in this country who have no medical insurance and thus have limited access to basic health care. For Bill, an extended hospital stay and a diagnosis of hypertension required frequent, expensive office visits and prescriptions. A survey revealed that over 3,000 people in Alpena county, Michigan, where Bill lives, were also uninsured, and that many others had policies that would not cover routine health care costs.

The First Presbyterian Church of Alpena’s tentmaker pastor, the Rev. Steven Hammond, is also a physician assistant. The church extended its ministry to create a free clinic to provide primary medical care for the uninsured in the community. An underutilized wing of the church was transformed into the Free Clinic of Alpena.

The presbytery, through its Mission Grant Initiatives, provided $4,000 seed money for the venture, which opened in March 2008. Volunteer physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners see walk-in patients two evenings a week and schedule follow-up visits. At least thirty-six volunteer nurses and office staff support the work of the clinic. Elder Jan Kane, R.N., enhances the work of the clinic with an emphasis on preventive care and health education. A community board of directors helps match patients to appropriate agencies and programs. Assistance with diagnostic testing, networking with volunteer specialists, and medication assistance programs, provide a continuum of compassionate, quality care.

The Presbytery of Mackinac, through its partnership with and support of 41 congregations with 6,82