Tree of Life Free Clinic continues to grow

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo)

March 08-- Mar. 8--In a building once slated for demolition, the Tree of Life Free Clinic quietly continues to tend to those with nowhere else to turn.

"Our mission is to deliver care to people who need it," said Dr. Joe Bailey, a retired gastroenterologist who founded the clinic and serves as board president.

The mission medical clinic is staffed by volunteers twice a month and is open to anyone without Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and the ability to afford their care. There are no residency or work requirements for patients.

Since it opened in 2010, the Tree of Life has recorded more than 20,000 patient visits and filled 75,000 prescriptions free of charge.

Beth Warren of Mantachie has struggled with kidney disease, high blood pressure and gout. The care and medications she receives through Tree of Life allow her to keep working.

"They have been a godsend," Warren said. "I don't know if I'd still be alive."

Valda Dixon of Tupelo lost her health insurance when her job of 17 years was eliminated. Without the Tree of Life, she would have gone without as she cared for her late mother.

"I wouldn't have had the necessary medication to take care of myself so I could take care of her," said Dixon, who is a clinic volunteer as well as a patient. "We would be lost if we did not have them."

Leslie O'Neal of Booneville has struggled with stomach ulcers for years. She can't afford the prescription medication that best controls them. In the two years she's been a patient at the Tree of Life, she has been able to access the medication and hasn't needed to seek emergency care.

"It means a lot," O'Neal said. "I couldn't afford the medicines."

Insurance and medication are out of his reach, said Willie Topp, who runs Topp's Deli in the Vanity Fair Mall. He relies on Tree of Life to control his diabetes and high blood pressure.

"I'm not perfect, but I'm making it because of them," Topp said.

These are the stories the Tree of Life volunteers hear every month.

"We have saved countless ER visits," Joe Bailey said.

Twice a month

Tree of Life was inspired by a mission trip to Mexico.

"This is as close as you can get to a mission trip without leaving Mississippi," Joe Bailey said. "I don't think we anticipated the need to be quite as big as it is. There certainly hasn't been any lessening."

On the first Wednesday, the volunteers typically take care of 80 to 90 patients. On the third Saturday, they take care of up to 110. Each clinic day, the dental clinic sees 10 to 15 patients for extractions.

Although some of the patients have waited hours ahead of the clinic opening, the vibe in the waiting room is happy.

"Everybody is so appreciative," Polly Bailey said. "It's like a big family ... everybody feels comfortable."

The Tree of Life wouldn't exist without continuing community support. The building is donated by Calvary Baptist Church; the clinic only has to cover utilities and insurance. Medical professionals --doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and pharmacy techs -- volunteer their time and expertise assisted by lay volunteers. The clinic needs about 35 volunteers for each of its clinics, drawing from a pool of 250. The Lions Club helps with eye glasses and evaluation at each clinic. Church groups hand out refreshments to those waiting in line.

"It's so meaningful," said Ella Smith, who has volunteered since the clinic's inception. "I love that they treat everybody the same."

The clinic has a limited but comprehensive pharmacy. It does not dispense controlled substances. It takes $8,000 to $9,000 to stock the pharmacy, Joe Bailey said. Insulin alone makes up about 40 percent of the cost.

"We pinch every penny to spend on medicine," he said.

Doug Wright, owner of LTC Pharmacy Solutions and ZipScripts, continues to provide the first $2,000 of medications and then provides the rest at cost. Another pharmacy helps the clinic access discounted insulin.

Wrights said he sees the contribution as a way to give back and salute the work of Dr. Bailey and retired pediatrician Dr. Bill Hilbun, a volunteer and board member.

"I want to support them in their local mission," Wright said.

So far, the Tree of Life hasn't needed a formal fundraiser. Individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups continue to provide for the clinic year in and year out.

"It really is a community clinic," Polly Bailey said.

Updated March 9, 2019, to reflect the correct amount donated by LTC Pharmacy Solutions.

michaela.morris@journalinc.com

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