Westside clinic now in McDonald Center

Published: March 21, 2018

In January, Westside Free Medical Clinic moved from Camp Aldersgate to The McDonald Center in Little Rock. It had been serving patients in the former location for the past 36 years.

The McDonald Center, located on the campus of St. John Catholic Center, houses Catholic Charities of Arkansas, which includes the staff of Westside Free Medical Clinic. Previously, space for the clinic was not available but relocation of diocesan staff made it possible in recent years.

Karen DiPippa, director of Westside Free Medical Clinic, told Arkansas Catholic some speciality services were already being provided at The McDonald Center, so when all services were moved, having the clinic all under one roof offered many advantages.

Having a kitchen on site allows for healthy meal preparation and workshops for diabetic patients and the savings on rent means more money for clinic operations. To learn more, read Arkansas Catholic.

“This is a more sterile environment and resembles a clinic with more privacy for screening patients. Previously screening was in in an open room with divider screens. Now we have individual screening rooms. St. John’s is also a trusted location, which is really key with our patient population," she said.

The clinic, which opened in 1970, serves patients 18 years and older who are unable to afford routine health care. Professional health care volunteers provide limited primary care, diabetic eye exams and ear, nose and throat, physical therapy, dermatology, pharmacy and chiropractic services. Screenings, health-related educational workshops and outside referrals for behavioral health and dental services are also offered.

For more information, visit Westside Free Medical Clinic. To get clinic dates or schedule an appointment, please contact Karen DiPippa (English) at (501) 664-0340, ext. 356, or Flor M. Lopez (Spanish) at (501) 664-0340, ext. 335.