Free health clinic returns permanently to IndyGo transit center

A free, mobile health clinic will set up permanent hours at IndyGo’s transit center. Wellness in Transit started last year as a pilot program to provide free health services to riders at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center. 

IndyGo Director of Communications Carrie Black said they wanted to know if people would access care.

“What we found out is that a resounding yes – people were clamoring for free health care, for easy access to health care,” Black said.

The six-month program engaged more than 300 people and provided nearly 100 prescriptions. It also connected hundreds more with shoes, bus passes and personal hygiene items.

Black said the effort is part of IndyGo’s mission.

“We are more than just the bus – we are also about connecting people to services, you know it is our mission to connect people to community and cultural economic opportunities,” Black said.

Gennesaret Free Clinics is providing the clinic and the care through the partnership with IndyGo. Like last year's pilot program, the health care mobile clinic will be open one day a week, providing services on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Almost all IndyGo routes access the transit center, which provides better access to the clinic for riders.

Clients do not need ID or health insurance to receive care.  IndyGo is still partnering with Marion County Public Health Department to do vaccinations three days a week at the transit center.

“We’ve proven patients will come to our mobile unit when it’s parked at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center when folks are switching buses and waiting,” Gennesaret Free Clinics Executive Director Theresa Patterson said in a statement.

Indianapolis has only a few free, walk-in social and health service providers available in the downtown core.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.