Dr. Lee Valentine encourages his residents to volunteer at the Meridian Free Clinic, because working with the uninsured and poor can provide valuable lessons.

“It’s tough dealing with diabetes when the patient has no insurance and no money,” Valentine said. “It’s easy with top-level insurance. It’s a challenge and they need to know how to deal with that.” 

Still, while the application process allows the clinic to focus only on those “who truly need it,” Brenda Hiatt, co-founder of the clinic, said that patients are held accountable even outside of the clinic. Patients with diabetes must keep a log book and bring it to each appointment, showing how they work to improve their health at home.

“We make sure our patients know they have a responsibility in their healthcare,” Hiatt said.