Access to health care is an ongoing crisis now aggravated by hard economic times. The Illinois Hospital Association recently found that 75 percent of the state’s hospitals had seen an increase of uninsured patients, with 47 percent specifically seeing an increase in emergency room visits.

Approximately 90 percent of practicing physicians in Champaign County work at Carle and Christie Clinic. Without insurance, the cost of visiting one of these doctors is high, and  the people who have already accumulated medical debt must find care elsewhere.

The purpose of the community center and two free clinics is to serve the poor and uninsured, but they face a growing number of patients with access to limited resources. Their care can only go so far.

The Dental Circle

Once a center for dentists and oral surgeons, the Dental Circle is now home to the two free health clinics in Champaign County: Christian Health Center and Hope Community Health Center.

The building is on campus at 507 S. Second St. in Champaign.

Do you qualify for Charity Care?

Many uninsured patients don’t know about the charity care programs offered at the hospitals. Be sure to check if you qualify for a discount before your visit to either of the area hospitals, Carle or Provena You can also apply for the discount after a visit, just make sure to follow the procedure. 

FRANCES NELSON HEALTH CENTER

HOPE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHRISTIAN HEALTH CENTER