Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic

Lafayette, La.

The Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic was founded in 1992 in response to a growing population of working families with no health insurance.  Census data indicate that one out of nearly five Louisianans is uninsured, ranking Louisiana in the bottom five states when it comes to health care coverage.  Data also show that more than 80 percent have at least a high school diploma, and most work.  However, only 40.2 percent of Louisiana’s small businesses offer health insurance to their employees.

To qualify for health care at the clinic, patients must live in Lafayette Parish, have a job, have no health insurance, and have a family income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.  To date, the clinic has provided health care services valued at over $8 million to more than 8,000 unique individuals.

The clinic received a $25,000 grant to continue the medical component of their uninsured workers program.  Funds will be used for staff nursing positions that will provide follow-up patient care and coordination of specialized treatment and diagnostic testing, and medical supplies. 

In 2006, 96 percent of surveyed patients indicated that receiving care at the clinic helped them keep their job and 67 percent said they had more energy to apply to their job.