If you are one of the growing number of Americans who do not have health insurance, it is definitely a challenge to access health care for you and your family. Most Oregonians who are living without health insurance are, in fact, working full time. There are some health care options for the uninsured in Eugene, Oregon, however and the following provides information on services and contact information for some of the emergency and low-cost medical services available in Eugene, Oregon.
Public Health Services of Lane County provides low-cost clinics for immunization, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and prenatal services. Public Health can also provide some family planning exams for women and men and confidential HIV testing and counseling, as well as other health services. The main clinic is located at 135 E. 6th Avenue, in Eugene. You can call 541-682-4041 for information or there is a website: http://www.lanecounty.org/HHS_PubHlth/default.htm.
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) operates a Clinic at 3321West 11th Avenue, in Eugene. This clinic provides medical and health services for those who cannot afford health care or who don’t qualify for government assistance. Services are provided by volunteering medical professionals. Volunteers in Medicine also provides a referral service and networks with other health care agencies for specialized and additional care. An appointment is required and the office hours are Monday and Friday, 2-5 pm and Tuesday and Thursday, 2-8:30pm. Call 541-685-1800 for appointments and information or check out the website at: http://www.vim-clinic.org.
White Bird Medical and Dental Clinics provide low-cost or free medical treatment, medications and dental care for low-income people without insurance and they also accept the Oregon Health Plan. Basic dental services provided include fillings, extractions, and cleaning. They also operate emergency walk-in clinics in addition to preventative and on-going care. The medical clinic is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 am-noon, and Tuesday from 1-5 pm and Thursday from 9am-noon, and Friday from 9am-noon and from 1-3 pm. The dental clinic is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8am-noon, and from 12:30-4:30pm. White Bird is located at 1400 Mill Street in downtown Eugene. Call 541-484-4800 or http://www.whitebirdclinic.org for more information.
The Lane Pregnancy Support Center provides support to pregnant women throughout Lane County. They offer free pregnancy tests, education and emotional support throughout pregnancy, referrals for prenatal care, free maternity clothes and baby clothes. There is also a pre-natal support group. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30am-5pm and they are located at 134 E. 13th Avenue in Eugene. Call 541-345-0400 for information and services.
Additional medical and dental clinics are provided at Eugene area high schools. Check with the school in your neighborhood (Churchill, South Eugene, North Eugene, Sheldon and Willamette) to find out services available or go to the district website at www.4j.lane.edu or the school health nurses at 687-3349.
One last free, accessible resource is the Ask-a-Nurse program through PeaceHealth. Call 686-7000, 24 hours a day, for confidential health-care information, answers to questions, and referrals.
