KATV 7 NEWS: Conway Ministry Center free clinic sees rising need as some Arkansans lose health coverage.
by Autumn Foltz
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Posted Tue, September 1, 2026 at 5:05 PM
CONWAY, Ark. (KATV) — A free walk-in clinic in Conway is helping Arkansans who cannot afford health care, and staff members said demand is growing as some people lose health coverage.
The Conway Ministry Center has operated its free clinic since January 2024 and has served more than 300 patients, according to Executive Director Sarah Wilson.
“I think that we are seeing an uptick of people who recently lost their ARHOME coverage, or, you know, the state's Medicaid,” Wilson said.
The clinic is intended to provide a health care option for people who may otherwise delay seeing a doctor because they cannot afford the cost.
“We're here for them. Like we want to be the solution on the day that they get sick, but they can't afford to pay out-of-pocket to go see their PCP,” Wilson said.
The Ministry Center partners with the University of Central Arkansas to provide basic health screenings. Nursing students help assess patients, including checking their blood pressure and blood sugar.
“The nurses come over, and they do a basic health screening. That's going to measure things like your blood pressure, your blood sugar, just real basic things,” Wilson said.
Patients who need services beyond what the Ministry Center can provide can be connected with UCA's Community Care Clinic for more in-depth care.
“The Community Care Clinic will have them come over there, and they can do a little bit more in-depth than what we can't do,” Wilson said.
The partnership has also received recognition. UCA named the Conway Ministry Center a service-learning community partner, and the Conway Chamber of Commerce presented the organization with a health care award.
The clinic currently operates Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. Patients can walk in without an appointment.
Wilson said the Ministry Center is preparing to expand the clinic to two additional days per week.
The Conway Ministry Center also provides food and other resources to families, with the goal of connecting people with multiple services in one location.
“We want to be here for them. I think that's the best thing,” Wilson said.
2025 The Medical Clinic Impact
228 patients served
Medical assistance program support
Over $400 in medication assistance