ROANOKE, Va. – A pop-up clinic is offering free healthcare services to the homeless community and healthcare workers say there is a bigger need than they realized.
Since January, the Fralin Free Clinic made nearly 200 encounters in the community.
They provide physical exams and mental health services.
Health care staff have had to provide wound care and antibiotics for people who have dental problems.
The clinic’s healthcare services manager, Pam Milkowski said most of the patients are afraid to seek help at hospitals or can’t afford to refill their medications.
“We are gaining more and more patients at these locations,” she said. “Word of mouth is spreading. More referrals. We are being directed to locations that we didn’t even know existed and have a need.”
The clinic will be available again on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the library on South Jefferson Street.