Beginning July 1, homeless people in Modesto will have somewhere to turn for free health care in the evenings.

The Modesto Union Gospel Mission is set to open a clinic for homeless people who already drop by the Yosemite Avenue facility for a hot meal and a good night's sleep.

The idea, organizers say, is to care for homeless people at a time and place convenient for them. Volunteer doctors and nurses also hope to treat minor ailments, such as colds and coughs, before the problems develop into life-threatening emergencies.

"If you don't have transportation and you don't have money, chances are you'll let your bronchitis turn into pneumonia," said Dr. Jim Boozer, the clinic's medical director.

The drop-in clinic, to operate from 6 to 9 p.m. once a week, will not be the first facility here to welcome homeless people. Golden Valley Healthcare opens its doors to the homeless from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Care and medications are free.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency cares for homeless people after hours in the agency's urgent care center and some clinic sites, but the agency charges for medical care. The Gospel Mission clinic will not.

That is important to Debra Rivera, a 46-year-old Modesto woman who has sought shelter at the Gospel Mission.

Rivera discovered cysts on her body more than two years ago. She did not have health insurance, and the growths did not seem too serious, so she did not go to see a doctor.

Then, last summer, the cysts started bleeding. A doctor diagnosed cancer. Rivera said she would have sought help sooner if the care would have been free and convenient.

"I keep thinking, if only I had gotten it taken care of sooner," she said.

Free health care is possible, Gospel Mission administrator Barbara Deatherage said, because the clinic will be run by volunteers. Doctors, nurses, receptionists and record-keepers will sign up to staff the 600-square-foot clinic consisting of a reception area and two exam rooms.

Pharmaceutical companies donated medications. Doctors Medical Center Foundation gave the mission $17,148 for medical supplies such as blood pressure cuffs and exam tables. McKesson Corp. sold the mission the supplies at cost.

"All volunteer, all free," Deatherage said. "That's our motto."

In addition to treating minor ailments, workers will perform health screenings, such as tests for hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases.

The mission clinic will refer homeless people to county clinics to receive ongoing care. And the mission will help people sign up for health insurance.

"That's the whole idea," Deatherage said. "We want to get people into the health care system."

Health care professionals and others interested in volunteering at the clinic are invited to an open house, 5 to 7 p.m. June 7 at the Modesto Union Gospel Mission, 1400 Yosemite Blvd. For more information, call 529-8259.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.