No money? No problem at Wayne County’s new health clinic

Wayne County Commissioner Martha Scott (left) joins Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano (center) in a recent grand opening ceremony at a new county health clinic on Jos. Campau.

By Charles Sercombe

One of key features of the new Wayne County Health Center located on Jos. Campau is that it treats anyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Yes, you read that right. The clinic will treat those with no insurance or who have little or no money. Considering that 40 percent of the city’s residents live in poverty, that’s welcoming news.

Last week, county and city officials gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the clinic.

It’s being funded through a $1.2 million federal grant, which will keep the clinic operating for the next two years. County officials say they expect to apply for another grant when the money expires.

The federal government is funding similar clinics around the country in order to prevent hospitals from eating the costs of those who use emergency room services for ailments because they can’t afford primary care.

By nipping health problems in the bud through free and low-cost primary care, the thinking goes, hospitals will save millions of dollars in expenses for treating the uninsured.

The clinic has six examination rooms, two onsite labs and state-of-the-art technology.

Services include: Primary care, pediatrics, adult medicine, behavioral health services, prenatal care, pediatric dentistry and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services.

Fees are based on what the patients can afford. Folks who are indigent and have no money to spare will be treated for free. Appointments can be made and walk-ins are also welcomed. To make an appointment, or for more information, call (313) 365-1362. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday’s hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The clinic is located at 11447 Jos. Campau.