Free Medical Clinic Will Assist Working Uninsured

Oneida, TN (2011-08-24) More than 20% of the eligible work force in Scott County is jobless, but many of those lucky enough to have a job still lack access to another basic necessity, healthcare. Beginning on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, Scott County residents, especially those working adults that are unable to afford or don’t have access to work-sponsored healthcare, will have an alternative—The Scott Christian Care Center in Oneida.

Last Wednesday, a grand opening celebration was held at the Scott Christian Care Center in Oneida, a free medical clinic that will provide essential health care to the working uninsured. The clinic, which is located in the former Scott Motel, 19218 Alberta Street, will be open on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

According to medical director, Dr. Tom Kim, the clinic will largely provide basic healthcare services, especially for long-term health issues like diabetes and hypertension. In a speech on Wednesday, Dr. Kim stressed the clinic was not a pain management facility, and prescriptions for pain medications would not be written. Patients will have to provide identification and disclose financial information.

Dr. Kim specializes in internal medicine and hematology-oncology. In 1983, Dr. Kim opened his first free medical clinic in Knoxville. Later, he opened a clinic in the small community of Briceville in Anderson County. The Scott County clinic is his third.