Baptist Memorial Health Care (BMHC) and Christ Community Health Services (CCHS) have opened a clinic for the homeless that will complement already-existing mobile healthcare services offered through Baptist Operation Outreach.

The new facility, located inside Catholic Charities of West Tennessee's main building at 1325 Jefferson Ave., opened March 1.

The facility, available to patients Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, includes two exam rooms, a lab, a waiting area and staff offices. Patients who receive care at the clinic will also have access to dental and vision services, as well as immediate access to support services through CCHS.

The mobile clinic travels several days a week to locations that serve the homeless and offers free acute and primary care, disease management support, prevention services and medication.

"We are proud to be the largest provider of healthcare for the homeless in Memphis through our partnership with Christ Community Health Services," said Jason Little, president and CEO of BMHC. "It is an important part of our mission. . ."

"Providing comprehensive health care and access to other vital needs, such as housing, food and clothing, in one location has been a part of our vision for Baptist Operation Outreach for many years," said Shantelle Leatherwood, CEO of CCHS. "To see that vision realized along with the impact we've had on so many lives is beyond gratifying."

Since 2004, Baptist Operation Outreach has grown from a staff of four with less than 500 patient visits to a staff of 10 with more than 3,000 patient encounters in 2018. The staff now includes a physician, nurse practitioner, behavioral health provider and social worker.