Biddeford Free Clinic Described at Women's Evening Group Meeting

Jan 3, 2000 - The Women's Evening Group sponsored a special program for all members of the Church on the Cape that featured Dr. Francis J. Kleeman of the Biddeford Free Clinic. After the meeting, the thirty-five attendees adjourned to the parlor for coffee and refreshments. This was another opportunity to visit with Dr. Kleeman and each other.

In 1992, Dr Kleeman was surprised to learn that 32 million Americans had no health insurance. With the encouragement and help of his children, this specialist in Urology decided to do something to meet this need on a local level. A search was begun for available space and necessary information was gathered. Eliciting support from the medical community was the next step. To convince others that this concept was successfully working in certain areas of the country, Dr. Kleeman took a colleague with him to visit a Roanoke ,Virginia Free Clinic. After exploring this successful organization, his colleague became a convert and in 1993, the Biddeford Free Clinic was born.

The Biddeford Free Clinic is open on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 P.M. until 9 P.M. and serves only patients who have no health insurance. In 1999, the clinic served 760 patients at no cost to the individuals. There were 2400 visits recorded and 4000 prescriptions were filled. These services were made possible through the dedication of many volunteers. The volunteer staff consists of about 10 volunteers per evening. Medical histories are taken; appointments can be made; nurses and doctors are available and a pharmacy is on the premises. Counseling for specific diseases and patient education about proper health procedures are also offered. Until December, 1999, the Clinic was run completely by volunteers. As of last month they now have one paid director. Support for the Clinic comes from the surrounding communities through donations, 2 foundations, local businesses and churches.

The Biddeford Free Clinic welcomes volunteers to help in varied positions. If you are interested, please call the Director at (207) 282-1138 or contact Dr. Kleeman at (207) 967-2365.