Health clinic opens at community center in Greenville

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - We all know healthcare can be expensive, but now there’s an option in the East for people who can’t afford insurance.

Staying on top of your health is something William Barrett says is important.

“Everybody needs help,” Barrett said. “Especially around here.”

Access East Medical Director Tom Irons Sr. couldn’t agree more. That’s why he decided to bring the Dr. Irons HealthAssist Clinic to Greenville.

“We’re really excited to be able to step into this part of the community again and see all this life that’s come back,” Irons said.

The clinic has been seeing patients since July but is now celebrating its grand opening to start serving people in need.

Also known as the Pitt County Care Clinic at JOY, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and will operate out of the same building as the Joy Community Center and Soup Kitchen at 700 Albemarle Avenue.

Diabetes and Health Education Specialist Gerri Ashe says the clinic will provide free healthcare services to anyone uninsured, which will ease some stress in their lives.

“People who don’t have insurance do have a hard time navigating health care systems, insurance, going to the doctor, trying to get medication and that’s on top of life,” Ashe said.

The clinic will have two exam rooms and will treat non-emergency issues like colds, bug bites, and rashes, while also providing medication assistance, patient education, and linking to local resources.

Even with an important job like helping people with chronic disease management, Ashe says she has a bigger role each day.

“My role first is just to be that friendly when someone comes in and needs assistance in our clinic,” Ashe said.

Irons says as of now they will start seeing people who come to Joy’s daily for food. They hope to grow and go to where they are needed in order to help more people.

“We will do what is right,” Irons said. “We will do it well. And we will do it together.”

Uninsured patients from Beaufort, Greene, Edgecombe, Hertford, Martin or Pitt counties who need more comprehensive health services will have the option of signing up for the no-cost Access East HealthAssist program, for help coordinating their medical care. Click here for more information.