Dr. Jennifer Brown, a family medicine physician, has been named the incoming medical director of The Free Clinic of Meridian, replacing retiring long-standing medical director Dr. J. Lee Valentine.

Valentine has served as the clinic’s medical director since its inception in 2014, when several philanthropic-minded community members came together to create a place where uninsured patients could receive care for chronic conditions.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as medical director for The Free Clinic,” Valentine said. “I am very proud of the work our staff, volunteers, providers and board members do to provide medical services to an area of our community that is underserved and has difficulty accessing medical care. As long as I am able, I hope to remain supportive of The Free Clinic in any way I can.”

In addition to his service to The Free Clinic, Valentine serves as associate program director for EC Healthnet Family Medicine Residency Program and medical director for Mississippi State University- Meridian Physician Assistant Program. He will continue serving the clinic in an advisory role.

The Free Clinic of Meridian’s board of directors, representing a diverse group of local businesses and organizations, unanimously approved Valentine’s recommendation to name Brown, a Free Clinic board member, as his replacement.

“Dr. Brown was an outstanding resident during her time at EC Healthnet, and we are fortunate that she elected to remain in this area to practice medicine,” he said.

A native of Columbia, Brown received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from William Carey University. She completed a residency at EC Healthnet Family Medicine Residency Program, during which she provided patient care at The Free Clinic in 2020. She is board certified in family medicine and employed by Ochsner Rush Health where she works in the hospital medicine department.

“As a volunteer provider and board member at The Free Clinic, I have seen firsthand the difference our services and staff make in the lives of our patients,” Brown said. “There have been many exciting changes over the past year with the clinic’s expansion and remodel, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve in a more direct role as the clinic continues to grow.”

In collaboration with its strategic partners, The Free Clinic of Meridian provides free medical assistance, primary medical care and health education for residents of Lauderdale County and the surrounding area who are ineligible for Medicaid and Medicare and earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

Care is provided by EC Healthnet’s Rural Family Medicine Residency Program, students from Meridian Community College’s nursing programs, Mississippi State University-Meridian’s Physician Assistant Studies program, and numerous volunteer practitioners. Patients must meet application criteria to receive care at the clinic, located at 4707 Poplar Springs Drive.

“Dr. Valentine has been dedicated to the Free Clinic since it was in the planning stages over 10 years ago. His knowledge and guidance have been invaluable to our ability to fulfill the clinic’s mission, and he has set a firm foundation for Dr. Brown,” said Stephanie Woodall, a family nurse practitioner who oversees the daily operations at the clinic. “Her leadership as a board member, provider and medical director are a tremendous asset as the clinic grows to provide care for more patients.”