Reflections on Success: Health Center Voices

Mississippi

Picayune Family Health Center (Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc.)
Hattiesburg

Picayune, Mississippi is located only minutes away from Louisiana, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Many hurricane victims fled to Picayune and became residents of that area; however, most of them did not have access to health care due to loss of insurance coverage. Prescription coverage was also a huge issue.

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiatives, Inc. received funding in July 2007 and purchased a 3,400 square foot facility. A family practice physician and nurse practitioner were recruited. With open arms, the providers and staff welcomed those in need of quality medical services at a discount. Full support with a complement of ancillary services unique to health centers was also made available to the community. The clinic is a huge success and is growing even faster than projected. The local medical community has welcomed the health center and is assisting in creating awareness of the clinic and the services that are available.

The Board of Directors has been very involved in the progress of the health center. A new board member from Pearl River County has been highly instrumental in promoting the clinic. The clinic is a testament to the “process” working. Without this clinic many residents in Pearl River County, and as well as from neighboring locales in Louisiana would not have access to a clinic that provides services with a sliding fee scale.