In 1992, a group of local physicians realized that there was a need for free health services for those experiencing homelessness. To address this need, Dr. Peter McGuire and Dr. Dean Davies created the Tedford- Oasis Health Care for the Homeless Program at the Brunswick Tedford-Oasis Shelter. After seeing an increase in the need for its free medical services, Oasis Healthcare for the Homeless became Oasis Free Clinics, a non-profit focusing on providing free care to uninsured, low income adults in the Midcoast. Since 1995, Oasis Free Clinics has expanded to provide health, dental, mental health and prescription assistance for uninsured, low-income residents of Freeport, Brunswick, Harpswell and the Islands, Durham, and Sagadahoc County. Ten to 15 percent of adults in our area have no health insurance, many of whom live at or below the federal poverty level, and Oasis is the only medical and dental clinic whose sole purpose is to provide free care to uninsured adults in Midcoast Maine.

In May 2016, we opened our newly renovated and expanded clinic at 66 Baribeau Drive in Brunswick. Oasis patients have access to high quality medical, mental health, prescription assistance, and dental care in one location. While the majority of our patients are working adults, they either do not receive or cannot afford insurance through their employer. As one of our patients said, “I want to thank Oasis Clinic for all the work they did on my behalf. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and was working part-time with no health insurance. I was in the group of middle-aged women who no longer had dependent children so MaineCare would not cover me. Oasis Clinic saved my life literally. I was treated with respect and kindness. PS I now have full-time work and insurance!”

At Oasis, we provide comprehensive primary care Monday through Friday by a cadre of volunteer medical providers. We treat a wide range of medical issues – from Hepatitis C to diabetes to orthopedic issues. We focus on annual check-ups, women’s health issues, chronic disease management, and limited mental health services. We also have diabetes education every Friday by our nutrition educator and acupuncture on Thursdays, courtesy of Jane Integrated Health. We also offer limited mental health services, thanks to our volunteer counselors and social workers.

To become a patient, please call us at 721-9277. When you call, we will ask you questions about where you live, your monthly income and if you have health insurance. The next step will be to meet with a volunteer eligibility screener for a short meeting. If you are eligible, we will schedule you for an initial appointment.

The goal of our staff and volunteers is to provide respectful, compassionate care so that our patients can live the healthiest life possible. One of our patients remarked that he was amazed by how long the doctor spent with him. Most of our providers spend at least thirty minutes with patients, going over any questions and concerns. If you know anyone who would be interested in joining our team, send him or her our way!

Visit our website (www.OasisFreeClinics.org) or call (721-9277) to learn more about our services or how you can help.

Giving Voice is a weekly collaboration among four local non-profit service agencies to share information and stories about their work in our community.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.