When the Parking Lot Becomes a Health Clinic
Pandemic challenges The Free Clinic to provide health care through telemedicine
Audrey Garrett, who has diabetes, used to see a doctor in Levelland for her health care needs. But after her husband was diagnosed with cancer, the cost for visits and medications became overwhelming. She heard about The Free Clinic, a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) student-run clinic that serves the at-risk population of Lubbock and the surrounding area. They both received access to health care and help with their medications.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to health care. Garrett said she feared she would lose access to the health care she was receiving. For her closing the clinic would have devastating health consequences for her.
“I was afraid that they weren't going to be open and we weren't going to get help,” Garrett said. “I just figured I'd just quit taking my medicine. That's what most people would think—well, I'll just get off of it a while.”
