Federal designation to be game-changer for Rosa Clark

The potential infusion of $650 thousand dollars for Oconee’s one and only free medical clinic likely will improve care for county residents least able to afford it.  During last night’s annual appreciation dinner for the Rosa Clark Medical Clinic, Executive Director Vickie Thompson said chances are good in January for the clinic to receive a federally-qualified designation from “HRSA”—the Health Resources and Service Administration which should mean $650 thousand dollars to a clinic that relies on pharmaceutical donations and volunteer work by doctors and other medical personnel.  The Oconee clinic is only one of four South Carolina counties whose free clinics don’t receive federal assistance.  The clinic at Seneca is believed to be competing for the designation with Clemson Foothills Community Care.  “Basically, this grant,” Thompson said, “will enable us to provide care to everybody who comes to us for care no matter where you live and no matter what kind of coverage you have.”