Our History
Montgomery County Free Clinic, Inc., was established in 2009. Christian Nursing Service (CNS), operators of a free clinic since 1968, invited Franciscan Health Crawfordsville and other community stakeholders to meet to determine how to provide medical and dental care for uninsured people in our community. The outcome of those meetings was a new organization, independent of the Christian Nursing Service. In the fall of 2009, the Montgomery County Free Clinic Board incorporated and became a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, as well as an affiliate clinic of the national Volunteers in Medicine organization.
The new Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic at 816 Mill Street offers free basic medical and dental services to uninsured children and adults who meet 300% of federal poverty guidelines ($35,160 for a household of one, $72,900 for a family of four). The clinic was purchased, remodeled and equipped with individual contributions and a grant from North Central Health Services.
“Every day I encounter children and adults who simply do not have access to medical care. We have a team of medical, nursing, and other professionals who are eager to help their neighbors.” – Christine Amidon, co-founder, board member.
“This generous grant from NCHS will enable us to provide acute and preventive health and dental services to people in our county who are currently going without care,” said Amidon. “We have a team of medical, nursing, and other professionals who are eager to help their neighbors.”
A Culture of Caring in Montgomery County
The MCFC also operates the Meals on Wheels program in Crawfordsville, and administers the Faith Alliance funds. Faith Alliance funds pay for needs related to cancer treatment such as wigs and prosthetics which may not be covered by insurance or other sources. The MCFC is led by an administrative and medical staff and guided by a generous Board of Directors.
When we opened our new facility, the Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic became the fourth Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) facility in the state, joining clinics located in Bloomington, Columbus and Indianapolis. VIM is a national organization that promotes and supports free medical clinics that are sprinkled across the United States. VIM brings a “Culture of Caring” to the clinic. “Culture of Caring” recognizes the strengths of those in need and respects their dignity.
We are a 501(c)(3) corporation organized to provide medical and dental services to uninsured residents of Montgomery County with ongoing support provided by members of this community. To support our mission, please visit this page.