GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - As Michigan's unemployment rate rises, more people are losing their health insurance or ability to pay for medical care. But there is hope for them.
The Oasis of Hope on Leonard Street NW is a free clinic in Grand Rapids. It was started by a Barb Grinwis, a physician's assistant at Western Michigan University and her husband, Dan, who was an executive at a bankrupt bakery.
In the two years since the clinic opened, the staff of unpaid volunteers has tended to over 2,500 people. The staff dispenses donated medicine and writes prescriptions that pharmacies fill for free.
"I have no insurance. My husband is laid off, so this is amazing to me I can come here and get help," says patient Leighanna Monger.
"It's better than my regular doctor's office," says patient Josh Husar.
Oasis of Hope runs on grants and donations from the community. Founders Dan and Barbara Grinwis hope to expand into the building next door and open a free dental clinic.
"We see those people walk in with despair and they walk out with hope on their face because they have finally found someone," says Dan Grinwis.
Go to their website for more information.
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