Medical clinic ready to expand in Moore

MOORE — Four years after the EF-5 tornado, assistance to the Moore community continues through Serve More and one of its outreaches, the Moore Faith Medical Clinic.

The clinic’s work has been so successful, and needed, that plans now call for an expansion. The free clinic will move into a former storage unit near the Community Renewal Center, 224 S Chestnut Ave.

Dave Evans, a local pastor and director of the clinic, has seen firsthand how the volunteers make a difference.

“Many people are very grateful for our help as some find themselves between jobs,” he said.

“I’ve heard from people who say we’ve literally saved their lives.”

Evans said 60 people representing 25 churches volunteer, in the name of Christ, to help others. Annual volunteer hours, Evans said, are nearly 7,000, translating into $200,000.

The need for Moore Faith Medical Clinic exists for many people, Evans said.

“They’re either underinsured or uninsured,” he said.

He said without the volunteers, many would be forced to use the services of emergency rooms. Their recovery time would be longer and they would miss valuable time on the job.

Offering their service are five physicians, 20 nurses and seven pharmacists.

“We want to add eye and dental care as well,” Evans said.

To do that, as well as meeting the steady need, the clinic needed the extra space.

Last month, the Moore City Council approved the lease of the storage facility for $1 a year. The partnership with the city is valued, Evans said.

“We appreciate the good work the Moore Faith Medical Clinic does to support our citizens and we are pleased to be able to assist them in their expansion to provide additional services,” Moore City Manager Brooks Mitchell said.

Among the new expenses will be the replacement of a heating and cooling system, which comes with a price tag of $20,000, Evans said. Donations can be sent to 224 S Chestnut, Moore, OK 73160.

The clinic embraces the same philosophy as Serve More, which started as a massive volunteer effort after the deadly May 2013 tornado. Volunteers who helped with that storm cleanup effort realized needs remained in the community, such as helping disabled and elderly residents with housing repairs.

Evans compares his group’s mission to the biblical story of the good Samaritan.

“Moore believes in picking people up and helping,” Evans said. “We live and serve in a special community.”

The clinic sees patients from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Every fourth Saturday of the month there is a women’s clinic. For an appointment or for more information call 7590853 or go online to www. moorefaithclinic.com.