Prescription of Hope: Edwards Street Fellowship Center Fills the Gap Providing Free Healthcare to Adults in Need

At the heart of Hattiesburg’s outreach to the underserved is the Fellowship Health Clinic at Edwards Street Fellowship Center (ESFC), a beacon of hope for working adults who fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare systems. Since its launch in 2014, the clinic has provided free medical and dental care to adults living in Forrest and Lamar counties, offering a lifeline to those with limited options.

Filling the Gap: Why the Clinic Was Born

The idea for the clinic took shape just as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was rolling out. Community leaders, including those from Forrest General Hospital and Hattiesburg Clinic, voiced concerns about a very specific population: able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who work but earn too much for Medicaid and too little to afford care at sliding scale clinics. These individuals often go without care entirely, risking long-term health issues.

Recognizing this gap, ESFC created a clinic model that is completely free and by appointment only—a structure designed to honor both patients and volunteers with dignity and predictability.

Clinic Operations and Eligibility

The clinic operates primarily on:

Wednesdays (all day)
Select Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays each month (by appointment)

Everything begins with an eligibility screening, held twice a month on a walk-in basis. During this screening, individuals meet with staff to determine if they qualify for services. By the time patients leave, they know whether they’re eligible to become a patient—and no money ever changes hands.

Comprehensive, Compassionate Care

Once accepted, patients have access to a wide range of services at no cost:

Doctor visits
Lab work
Chronic illness education with a registered nurse (conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol)
Free physical therapy
Free medications
Referrals for free surgeries through University Medical Center
Diagnostic testing at Forrest General Hospital

Dental Care with Dignity

The clinic also offers limited dental services, focused on critical needs like free tooth extractions. Retired dentists volunteer during eligibility screenings to evaluate patients. If a patient qualifies and agrees, they’re referred to a participating dentist in Forrest or Lamar County. Antibiotics are provided in advance of the procedure to ensure safe outcomes. Additionally, ESFC partners with Pearl River’s Dental Hygiene Program for cleanings and x-rays.

The Real Measure of Success

While the services are impressive, ESFC’s ultimate goal goes beyond healthcare. As Executive Director Ann McCullen explains, “Our idea of success is that we get you healthy enough that you can go get that job that provides insurance.” Whether it’s better employment, more consistent work, or simply a sense of empowerment, the clinic aims to lift individuals toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.

A Community-Powered Clinic

None of this would be possible without the strong network of support from medical professionals, local hospitals, universities, and faith-based partners who contribute their time, resources, and compassion. The clinic reflects ESFC’s broader mission: meeting physical needs while uplifting the spirit.

To learn more or access services, visit the ESFC Fellowship Health Clinic website and follow the links to the clinic. It’s more than a clinic—it’s a prescription for hope in the heart of Hattiesburg.