Shepherd's Hand Free Clinic

Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic is open each Monday evening except on Holidays and during the month of August. The clinic resumes services following Labor Day.

5:45 p.m. - Servant Focus for all volunteers
6:00 p.m. - Doors open for patients
7:30 p.m. – Patient sign-in closed (patients arriving past 7:30 to see the doctor will not be seen)
10 p.m. or when last patient seen – clinic closed

Mission Statement

“Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic exists to provide quality medical care for people without health insurance and to take the light of Christ into our community.”

Core Values

We express our servant heart through the following core values:

• We value community and strive to provide consistent, quality care in a safe and loving environment.
• We value the whole person and are committed to caring for each person based on their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs.
• We value a hospitable and stimulating environment where volunteers can grow as they serve.
• We value professionalism.
• We value each person’s right to privacy and are committed to confidentiality.

Foundational Scripture

Eligibility Requirements and SHFC Policies

• SHFC provides services for people without health insurance and those who can’t access their insurance because of a high deductible.
• People, who are receiving Medicaid, Medicare, CHIPS, Indian Health Services, or Veterans Assistance, are not eligible to be seen at SHFC. People who have applied for one of these services and are waiting for approval are eligible.
• SHFC will not see people who are intoxicated or people seeking narcotics.
• Eligibility guidelines based on family size and income are listed on the intake form. These are based on the WIC guidelines and are 200% of poverty level.
• SHFC does not pay for all patients’ medications. Only the medications that are on our formulary are paid for by the clinic. The Pharmacist determines eligibility.
• In general, SHFC provides services for people living in the North Valley, and Touch of Grace provides services for people living in and south of Kalispell. SHC will see a Kalispell patient with an acute problem for a one-time visit.
• SHFC does not currently have a dental program. Patients with dental needs are referred to Missoula’s Community Health Center.
• SHFC does not prescribe any pain medications.
• SHFC does not provide any prenatal care or women’s wellness exams. Patients needing these services should contact the County Health Department.
• SHFC will provide ‘well’ care (i.e. sports physicals, well exams etc.) when the clinic is not full.

The Need for Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic

• One in five people in Montana are uninsured.
• Over 30 percent of the people living in Flathead Valley have no health insurance.
• Being uninsured means minor illnesses become major illnesses because care is delayed.
• One significant medical expense can wipe out a family’s bank account leaving the family at risk for becoming homeless.

Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic Patients

• SHFC provides services for people without health insurance or who cannot access their insurance due to high deductibles.
• SHFC does not provide services for people who have Medicaid, Medicare, Indian Health Services, or Veteran’s Assistance.
• SHFC patients come from all parts of the Flathead Valley.
• Eighty percent of SHC patients are between 18 and 59 years of age.
• Fifty percent of SHC patients are employed.
• Seventy percent of SHC patients earn less than $11,000 per year, which is below the poverty level.
• Two thirds of SHC patients have chronic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

The Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic Team

Christ Lutheran Church
The clinic is an outreach ministry of Christ Lutheran. The church provides physical space, financial support, prayer and leadership support.

Medical Community

• Volunteer Physicians, Nurses and Pharmacists provide onsite care each Monday night.
• Specialty Physicians and Primary Care Physicians see patients on a referral basis for free.
• North Valley Hospital provides free lab and radiology services for SHC patients.
• Kalispell Regional Hospital provides additional radiology services as needed by SHC patients.
• Local Pharmacies support SHC through our medication voucher program; and provide discounted medications to SHC patients. (Participating pharmacies includes Haines Drug, Haines Medical Pharmacy, Medical Arts Pharmacy, and Smiths)

Shepherd’s Hand Clinic Volunteers
Professional and lay volunteers from our community staff the clinic each Monday night.

SHC Leadership Team
The Shepherd’s Hand Clinic Leadership Team exists to provide leadership, vision, and long range planning for the clinic. The leadership team consists of the following members:

• Buzzie Anderson
• Rich Dolven
• Jay Erickson
• Meg Erickson
• Shawn Watts