Local Clinic Marks a Decade of Service to Springfield‘s Underserved
Springfield, MO – Missouri State University and Mercy Hospital celebrated the 10th anniversary of the MSU Care Clinic on Thursday, recognizing ten years of providing vital healthcare access to individuals lacking insurance and facing healthcare barriers.
Established in 2015 on the Missouri State University campus,the clinic broadened its services in September 2024 to now include patients covered by Medicaid. The anniversary event brought together leaders from both institutions and members of the Springfield community to acknowledge the clinic’s significant contribution to the well-being of vulnerable residents.
As its inception, the MSU Care Clinic has provided care to over 33,000 patients, currently assisting approximately 210 individuals each month. The clinic fills a critical need for those who cannot afford traditional healthcare or have postponed necessary medical attention due to financial constraints.
Connie Sayre, a long-time employee of the clinic, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving its mission. “Its incredibly rewarding to be part of an effort that ensures our community’s most vulnerable members have access to the care they deserve, thanks to the partnership between MSU and Mercy,” she stated.
Clinic Manager Justin Gassel explained that the facility functions as a complete medical home for patients frequently enough overlooked by conventional healthcare systems. “We serve individuals facing challenges like homelessness, lack of transportation, and difficulty navigating community resources,” Gassel saeid. “Our team goes above and beyond,managing chronic conditions,providing essential supplies like food and winter clothing,and facilitating crucial cancer screenings.”
Beyond direct medical care – which includes primary care, minor procedures, vaccinations, pharmacy consultations, nutritional counseling, lab tests, and EKGs - the clinic plays a crucial role in healthcare education. It serves as a valuable training ground for students in Missouri State’s physician assistant, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, dietetics, and nursing programs.
Dr. Mark Smith,Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services,emphasized the clinic’s alignment with Missouri State’s core mission. “This clinic provides our students with invaluable practical experience, preparing them to become compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals,” Dr. Smith said. “Simultaneously,it delivers high-quality,accessible care to those in our community who need it most,demonstrating the power of collaboration between education,empathy,and community engagement.”
The MSU Care Clinic’s impact is further amplified by the support of numerous local organizations, including Burrell, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Convoy of Hope, The Kitchen, Mercy Health Foundation, Ozarks Counseling Center, O’Reilly Center of hope, Ozarks area Community Action Corporation, and Ozarks Food Harvest. These partners contribute essential resources such as fresh produce, non-perishable food items, winter apparel, and hygiene products.
The anniversary celebration underscored the positive outcomes achieved when organizations unite to address the needs of the community’s most vulnerable populations.
