In October of 2015 Feed My Sheep Director Jim Hornsby and Baylor Scott and White Pediatric Endocrinologist and Pediatric Residency Director Dr. Steven Ponder held the very first Feed My Sheep pediatric free clinic. They had realized that there was immense need for such a clinic in the community, especially because Texas has more uninsured children than anywhere else in the country. Shockingly, the Feed My Sheep clinic is one of only two free clinics in the state that is specifically geared towards serving children.
Since that time, the clinic has grown and expanded to cover children across Bell County. Thanks to partnerships with local community centers, the free clinic travels to locations across the area. The clinic is typically held every third weekend of the month, but it adjusts to fit holiday schedules. This month’s clinic will be held on Feb. 16 at The Jesus Hope and Love Mission in Killeen. The clinic runs from 9:30 AM until Noon. The clinic does not ask for any monetary contribution from the families it serves, nor does it require any kind of documentation to provide services.
While the free clinic is not intended to replace an urgent care center or emergency room, acute health issues are treated. Doctors have over the counter and limited prescription drugs on hand. In addition, the clinic serves as a one stop shop for medical screenings, including vision and hearing screenings year-round, and school and sports physicals in the summer. Children who are identified as needing further care are given referrals to doctors in the community. They are also identified for a Lion’s Club program that provides free glasses.
In addition, a pediatric dentist is on hand as well as dental hygienists to teach children proper dental hygiene. Families are given backpacks full of health and hygiene supplies to help implement these lessons. A pediatric podiatrist and dermatologist are also available to address those needs. Recently, a physical and occupational therapist have joined the team and are able to provide screenings and referrals for their services.
The family and internal medicine residents from the Baylor Scott and White residency program provide well child exams and present their findings to onsite faculty. Meanwhile, med students from Texas A&M medical school serve as “care shepherds” to ensure that every child meets with every specialist and serve as a liaison between parents and care providers to help explain anything that needs additional clarification. Nursing students from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor provide nursing services. Though they earn required service hours through their work at the clinic, many students stay on long afterwards because they find the work so meaningful and fulfilling.
After meeting with the medical providers, families meet with Feed My Sheep volunteers at the resources station. Here they are given all their follow up information, pick up any required prescriptions, and are given health care packages. Perhaps most importantly, the resources station is also where families are given assistance in getting enrolled or re-enrolled in free children’s health insurance programs so that they can receive more consistent care in the future. The Clinic’s goal is to get children and families on a path to sustained wellness, and the resources station is a critical part of that mission.
After a long day of medical care, families enjoy a small petting zoo. These children may be experiencing unimaginable hardships, but every part of the clinic is designed to minimize anxiety and provide a safe, caring environment to aid in healing.
The clinic is completely reliant upon volunteers, and expanding its services relies on expanding the network of volunteer providers. If you are interested in volunteering with the Feed My Sheep Free Clinic in any capacity, please email the volunteer program director Deb Rosenberger at drosenberger@umhb.edu for an application and background check information. There is immense medical need within Bell County and volunteering with Feed My Sheep is a wonderful way to give back to your local community.
Since that time, the clinic has grown and expanded to cover children across Bell County. Thanks to partnerships with local community centers, the free clinic travels to locations across the area. The clinic is typically held every third weekend of the month, but it adjusts to fit holiday schedules. This month’s clinic will be held on Feb. 16 at The Jesus Hope and Love Mission in Killeen. The clinic runs from 9:30 AM until Noon. The clinic does not ask for any monetary contribution from the families it serves, nor does it require any kind of documentation to provide services.
While the free clinic is not intended to replace an urgent care center or emergency room, acute health issues are treated. Doctors have over the counter and limited prescription drugs on hand. In addition, the clinic serves as a one stop shop for medical screenings, including vision and hearing screenings year-round, and school and sports physicals in the summer. Children who are identified as needing further care are given referrals to doctors in the community. They are also identified for a Lion’s Club program that provides free glasses.
In addition, a pediatric dentist is on hand as well as dental hygienists to teach children proper dental hygiene. Families are given backpacks full of health and hygiene supplies to help implement these lessons. A pediatric podiatrist and dermatologist are also available to address those needs. Recently, a physical and occupational therapist have joined the team and are able to provide screenings and referrals for their services.
The family and internal medicine residents from the Baylor Scott and White residency program provide well child exams and present their findings to onsite faculty. Meanwhile, med students from Texas A&M medical school serve as “care shepherds” to ensure that every child meets with every specialist and serve as a liaison between parents and care providers to help explain anything that needs additional clarification. Nursing students from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor provide nursing services. Though they earn required service hours through their work at the clinic, many students stay on long afterwards because they find the work so meaningful and fulfilling.
After meeting with the medical providers, families meet with Feed My Sheep volunteers at the resources station. Here they are given all their follow up information, pick up any required prescriptions, and are given health care packages. Perhaps most importantly, the resources station is also where families are given assistance in getting enrolled or re-enrolled in free children’s health insurance programs so that they can receive more consistent care in the future. The Clinic’s goal is to get children and families on a path to sustained wellness, and the resources station is a critical part of that mission.
After a long day of medical care, families enjoy a small petting zoo. These children may be experiencing unimaginable hardships, but every part of the clinic is designed to minimize anxiety and provide a safe, caring environment to aid in healing.
The clinic is completely reliant upon volunteers, and expanding its services relies on expanding the network of volunteer providers. If you are interested in volunteering with the Feed My Sheep Free Clinic in any capacity, please email the volunteer program director Deb Rosenberger at drosenberger@umhb.edu for an application and background check information. There is immense medical need within Bell County and volunteering with Feed My Sheep is a wonderful way to give back to your local community.