Free and Low-cost Healthcare Resources in the CSRA and Augusta area
This section was created as an ever-changing and updated list meant to highlight health resources in Augusta and the CSRA, with a focus on resources that are designed to be free, low-cost, or cater to underserved populations. It can be used by the general public, medical professionals, and medical trainees with the goal of quickly and effectively discovering, contacting, or recommending the needed resource to further the health and utilize the resources of our community. If you have any recommended updates or changes, please contact artmiller@augusta.edu
Inclusion of a resource in the document does not represent its endorsement.
Children's Resources:
ALAS Pediatric Clinic
Free, student run, physician supervised clinic promoting the health and well-being of the underserved children of the Augusta community by cultivating collaboration and learning amongst health care providers. Serves uninsured and underinsured children and teens under 18 years of age in Augusta. GA by providing free wellness check-ups, sports physicals and sick check-ups, and laboratory exams.
Appointments or walk-ins accepted. The clinic is open every second and fourth Wednesday of the month excluding holidays from 5-8pm at Centro Medico
https://www.alas-csra.org/pediatric-clinic-2
904 Merry St, Augusta, GA 30904
706-250-1267
Georgia Maternal Child Health Coordinator Locator
For locating public health programs and services in their area serving the health needs of women and children. Contact information for birthing hospitals, public health district programs and initiatives (Women's Health, Regional Perinatal Centers, Perinatal Case Management (PCM), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), Children 1st, Babies Can't Wait (BCW), Children's Medical Services (CMS), Oral Health, Home Visiting and GAAC Autism Specialty Clinics).
https://sendss.state.ga.us/sendss/!mch.coord_search
Children 1st
Single point of entry for all DPH Child Health programs and services for children, birth - 5 years old, and links eligible children to early intervention services, as well as other public health programs and community-based resources.
All referrals made to DPH Child Health programs including Babies Can’t Wait (BCW), Children’s Medical Services (CMS), Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), and 1st Care must be made through Children 1st.
More information about referral forms, criteria, programs offered here: https://dph.georgia.gov/children1st
Children’s Medical Services
Statewide program supporting children (birth – 21) with special health care needs and their families. Children’s Medical Services provides assistance to eligible families and young adults with accessing timely and affordable health care services as well as needed resources within their communities such as Genetic Counseling, Inpatient/Outpatient Hospitalization, Durable Medical Equipment, Medications and Supplies, Diagnostic Testing.
Some eligible condition include:
Asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other lung disorders
Some hearing disorders
Neurological and neurosurgery disorders including seizures, benign tumors, hydrocephalus, and others
Orthopedic and/or neuromuscular disorders including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, clubfeet, congenital or traumatic amputations of limbs, and others
Visual disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, and others
Diabetes and other endocrine and genetic disorders
Craniofacial anomalies (including cleft lip/palate)
Congenital cardiac conditions
Call 706-667-4400 for more information
Parent to Parent of Georgia:
Services to children and youth with disabilities and their families. Services include an on-line data base of various resources locally, educational trainings for parents and parent support program.
Special Needs Database: http://p2pga.org/index.php/database
1-800-229-2038
Babies Can’t Wait (BCW)
Georgia statewide interagency service delivery system for children from birth to three years old. This program ensures that families have access to the services they need to enhance their child’s development such as audiology, family training, occupational, speech and physical therapy, special instruction and help with transportation. Eligibility based upon either a medical diagnosis, which has a high probability of leading to developmental delay or the question of a significant developmental delay.
More information: https://dph.georgia.gov/babies-cant-wait
Locate a nearby BCW: https://sendss.state.ga.us/sendss/!mch.coord_search
Referral form to be submitted to the local BCW: https://ecphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/NEW-Children1st_ScreeningRefForm-04-2018.pdf
Augusta Partnership for Children
Free/low-cost health services for children up to 21 years old including check-ups, immunizations, and dental care.
https://augustapartnership.org/
(706) 721-5437
Resilient Teens Initiative
Addresses Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resilience, and trauma-informed care in teens 13-19 through the teaching and building of resiliency skills among teens in the CSRA, educating the community on the impacts of trauma, and strengthening support for programs and services Resilient Teens aims to improve the resiliency of individuals and families.
For more information, please contact Candice Hillman at (706)833-1454 or chillman@augustapartnership.org
Childhood Safety and Injury Prevention
Smoke detectors, bicycle helmets, and information on water, car, household and other safety available
(706) 721-7606
Lead Abatement:
Women who are pregnant or individuals who have children under the age of six living may qualify for the Augusta Lead Hazard Reduction Program
Call the City of Augusta’s Housing & Community Development
Department at 706-821-1797 or Georgia Department of Public Health at 706-667-4329
Or go online to www.augustaga.gov/68/housing-development or www.ecphd.com/lead
Scoliosis Screening Form: https://ecphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Scoliosis-Screening-Instruction.pdf
American Academy of Pediatrics – GA Chapter
The official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics for parents on accurate, trusted and up-to-date information on issues regarding infants, children and adolescents.
Women’s Resources:
ALAS Women’s Clinic
The ALAS women’s clinic is a free, student-run, physician supervised health clinic serving uninsured and underinsured women in Augusta, GA. They provide free wellness check-ups, physical exams, pregnancy check-ups, sick check-ups, and laboratory exams.
Appointments or walk-ins accepted. The clinic is open every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month excluding holidays.
904 Merry St, Augusta, GA 30904
https://www.alas-csra.org/womens-clinic
(706) 940-2527
MCG Women’s Health Clinic
Bi-weekly evening clinic to serve indigent women in the area. Includes well-woman exams, contraceptive counseling, acute care, STD and sexual health counseling and treatment.
Located at 432 8th Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Individuals seeking appointments and/or clinic information should contact the St. Vincent de Paul Health Center at 706-722-3535.
Women’s Health Services at East Central Regional Public Health Department:
Services include:
Breast and cervical cancer screening- 1-877-4SISTER (1-877-474-7837) or for Deaf/Hard of Hearing: 1-866-TTY-4SIS (1-866-899-4747)
Contraception, peri-natal case management (assisting with accessing Medicaid coverage, finding a prenatal care provider, nutrition services), prenatal services
(706) 667-4284
East Central Health District
1916 North Leg Rd.
Augusta, GA 30909
Centering Pregnancy
Centering materials help moms and providers ensure that everything from nutrition, common discomforts, stress management, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and infant care are covered in group.
706-721-5888
Richmond County Health Department
950 Laney Walker Blvd Augusta, Ga
Healthy Mother’s Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
Services to expectant families including prenatal education and resources to expectant mothers, breastfeeding support and education, and assistance with accessing health insurance.
Healthy Mother’s Healthy Babies Portal: https://www.resourcehouse.com/hmhb/
1-800-300-9003
WIC Breastfeeding Helpline: 1-800-992-9708
Call the Breastfeeding Helpline for questions or concerns about breastfeeding, if breastfeeding your baby hurts, you need to have someone show you how to “latch-on” your baby, for prenatal classes or to request a breast pump. You may listen to the automated messages, or hold the line for a breastfeeding counselor.
CSRA Breastfeeding Coalition
Group of breastfeeding advocates from hospitals, public health, mother’s support groups, private practice, and the community who have organized to support breastfeeding in the Central Savannah River Area.
P.O.Box 15254
Augusta, Georgia 30919
Phone: 706-651-6515
Email: Sally.Wood@HCAhealthcare.com
Domestic Violence Intervention Center (SAFE Homes)
Battered women's shelter, legal advocacy, parent and children counseling, and life skills
PO Box 3187 Augusta,Ga 30914-3187
706-736-2499
24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 706-736-2499 or 1-800-799-SAFE
Men’s Resources:
East Central Public Health Department
Provides health testing, screenings, and immunization including for STDs (Treatment/ Counseling info), HIV Testing (Pre/Post-test Counseling), Testicular Self Exam Instruction, TB, Testing, Immunizations (all childhood vaccinations, adult vaccinations including pneumococcal, shingles, and travel immunizations), Blood pressure Screenings, and Diabetic Screenings (including lab work and medications)
https://ecphd.com/mens-health/
East Central Health District
1916 North Leg Rd.
Augusta, GA 30909
706-667-4329
Other Populations:
Clinica Latina
Free clinic for individuals who do not have health insurance and/or live below 200% of the national poverty level. Appointments booked via phone or Facebook messenger and take walk-ins (when available) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month excluding holidays.
http://www.alas-csra.org/clinica-latina-1
904 Merry St, Augusta, GA 30904
(706) 940-2527
Asian clinic
Asian clinic provides free primary healthcare and interpretation services to low-income adult patients. Interpretation services are available for Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin, and many other languages. The clinic meets the last Tuesday of every month from 5-8pm.
https://www.alas-csra.org/asian-clinic
(762) 233-9030
MCG Students' Health Clinic for the Homeless
Student run free clinic on Monday evenings to serve the homeless and uninsured population of the Augusta area.
Located at 432 8th Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Individuals seeking appointments and/or clinic information should contact the St. Vincent de Paul Health Center at 706-722-3535.
Equality clinic
Free healthcare services to the under- and un-insured LGBTQIA+ community for patients who are both Uninsured or under-insured and Below 200% of the federal poverty level.
http://www.equalityclinicaugusta.com/
(762) 218-2226
General Free and Low-Cost Clinics:
Christ Community Health Service
For the uninsured and under-served in the CSRA with patients seen on a sliding scale fee
706-922-0600
Druid Park Health Care
No cost to patient primary care for those who qualify for Indigent Care Program
1125 Druid Park Dr. Augusta,Ga 30904
706-738-0455
Miracle Making Ministries
Primary healthcare for persons with no insurance with fees based on income
706-722-8693
1127 Druid Park. Augusta,Ga 30901
Gap Ministries
Nurse volunteers evaluate patients, provide pharmacy cards for non-narcotic medications, and refer to local clinics for medical needs beyond simple first aid. Reading glasses and over-the-counter pain medications are supplied as needed. This organization also assists patients with photo id and birth certificates. It has a food pantry on Thursdays 11 - 12:30 and a Soup kitchen every 5th Tuesday 11 am- 12:30pm
706-722-4408
1235 Greene Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Good Shepherd Clinic
Free healthcare for uninsured residents of Clayton County providing primary healthcare, prescription assistance, lab services, and specialty clinics
https://www.goodshepherdclinic.org/
77-968-1310
6392 Murphy Drive
Morrow, GA 30260
Augusta University Lung Screening Program
(706) 721-1628
Immunizations:
The Georgia Department of Public Health provides immunizations for diseases such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib disease, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and HPV.
Visit https://ecphd.com/immunizations/ or call 706-667-4329 for more information
Childhood Immunizations Schedule
Mental Health Resources:
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 now to speak to a trained counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Georgia Crisis and Access Line available 24/7: 1-800-715-4225
NAMI Augusta:
NAMI Augusta is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy. They have significant resources regarding mental health conditions on their website, support groups, including one for families of those with mental health conditions, and a helpline via phone at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “NAMI” to 741741.
ALAS Free Mental Health Clinic
The Free Mental Health Clinic provides psychiatric evaluations and medication (no controlled substances) management services for adult patients aged 18 years and older. Appointments are currently being conducted via telehealth calls on the final Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and they have a waitlist in place.
Located on:
904 Merry St, Augusta, GA 30904
(706) 447-9055
http://www.alas-csra.org/the-free-mental-health-clinic-2
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Provides services and referrals for patients with severe mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disabilities issues. Housing vouchers are given to qualifying persons with serious and persistent mental illnesses to support families (only for those who do not qualify for HUD voucher or other benefits) through the Georgia Housing Voucher Program.
(404) 657-2252
Family Counseling Center of the CSRA
This non-profit center provides counseling services for individuals, couples, families, and groups regardless of ability to pay.
1120 Marks Church Road
Augusta, GA 30909
(706) 868-5011
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Peer Recovery and Wellness Center
24-7 support hotline, daily wellness activities and respite care in the form of bedrooms where people can stay for seven days of 24-hour peer support as an alternative to hospitalization. No referral needed, anyone can seek care.
1720 Central Avenue, Augusta, Georgia 30904
706-426-4030
24-Hour Augusta Peer2Peer Warm Line for support and local resources: 706-738-3548
Find a mental health provider near you here: https://providersearch.carelonbehavioralhealth.com/#/provider/home/277
Substance Abuse:
GA Medical Amnesty Law: Protection for people who call 911 and seek medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug or alcohol-related overdose. The caller and the victim cannot be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for personal use quantities of drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia if the evidence was obtained as a result of seeking medical assistance and the caller remains at the scene with the victim.
Medication to prevent opioid overdoses (Narcan) can be obtained for free for those at high risk of overdose and their loved ones here: https://georgiaoverdoseprevention.org/
Salvation Army Center of Hope
Free substance abuse rehab program for men through counseling, work therapy, religious instruction, and custom rehabilitation
https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/augusta
706-826-7933
Halo Clinic
Provides free and essential medical healthcare services to those recovering from substance abuse related illnesses in the CSRA. The clinic is held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-8:30pm at Centro Medico
904 Merry St, Augusta, GA 30904
https://www.alas-csra.org/halo-clinic
Head of the Giant Ministry
Women’s homeless shelter as well as working with substance abuse facilities and training, food clothing and shelter (for men and women), job placement assistance and training, Christian counseling, GED classes.
https://www.headofthegiantministry.com/
706-496-1540
Hope House Augusta
The only licensed and accredited residential substance misuse and mental health facility that serves women and children in Augusta-Richmond County. Comprehensive treatment to end the cycle of substance misuse, untreated mental illness, and poverty. Empowerment through prevention education, clinical treatment, and recovery
https://www.hopehouseaugusta.org/
Application: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5641513/New-Survey
706-737-9879
Hale House Augusta
12-step recovery transitional program to assist men over the age of 18 with substance abuse problems to recover in a safe recovery residence setting
https://www.thehalefoundation.com/
706-722-3060
Georgia Tobacco Quit Line for free counseling, resource library and support/referral service: 1-877-270-STOP
Augusta University Tobacco Cessation Program
Three-step smoking cessation program with a cessation clinic and classes to help any in the general public quit smoking. Often covered by insurance and the clinic will work with you if you have difficulty paying for their services.
(706) 721-0456
https://www.augusta.edu/cancer/community/tobacco-cessation.php/index.php
Eye Health:
ALAS Vision Clinic
This clinic provides free eye and vision related care services to all ages through other ALAS clinics.
04 Merry St, Augusta, GA 30904
(706) 750-9790
Prevent Blindness Georgia
Works with different programs to provide vouchers for free eye care for children and adults. all applicants must submit documentation of income to apply for any of the vouchers below. If you need assistance for glasses for a child, please call (404) 266-1548. If you need assistance with eyeglasses for an adult, please call (404) 266-4988
Sight for Students
VSP charity that provides free eye exams and glasses to low income, uninsured children who qualify. Children who are not eligible for PeachCare or Medicaid may qualify for the Sight for Students program
VSP Mobile Eyes Program
Provides gift certificates to qualifying adults that will cover a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed VSP optometrist or ophthalmologist as well as one pair of glasses.
HealthyEyes Access to Eyeglasses Program
Children’s Program- Provides free glasses to low income, uninsured children who qualify. The prescription for eyeglasses must be valid and less than two years old. The vouchers can be used at participating LensCrafters, Sears Optical, Target Optical, and Pearle Vision stores.
Children’s Application
Adult Program- Free eyeglasses for eligible individuals with a valid prescription that is less than two years old. Recipients will receive a voucher that can be used at participating Sears Optical, Target Optical, LensCrafters, or Pearle Vision Center stores. The voucher does not include an eye exam. Recipients are required to participated in a Prevent Blindness Georgia screening program or be referred by a PBGA partner agency.
Replacement Eyeglasses for Children
Prevent Blindness Georgia is able to provide replacements for lost or broken eyeglasses for children who qualify for $30. Parents must first fax or email the child’s current prescription (less than one year old) to Prevent Blindness Georgia with a current prescription (Only single vision lenses can be ordered), child’s pupillary distance (PD) measurement from the optician who originally filled the prescription, child’s birth date, parent’s name and phone number.
Once the prescription is received, Prevent Blindness Georgia will call the number provided to verify eligibility and schedule the appointment for the next clinic. Eye exams are not available.
Email sturner@pbga.org for more information
Dental Health:
The East Central Health Department provides complete dental care to children, pregnant women, and adults on emergency basis who cannot access a private dentist, do not have the financial means or transportation to go to the dentist, or have no local dentist who will see them or accept Medicaid/Peachcare. Services include Check-ups, Cleanings, Fluoride Treatments, Sealants, Fillings, Extractions, X-rays. Fees based on income.
Clinics:
Richmond Co. Health Department, 950 Laney Walker, Augusta (706-721-5891)
Wilkes Co. Health Departments (Excluding summer months)
Dental College of Georgia Services
The Dental College of Georgia provides services in a student, graduate/resident, and faculty clinic. The student clinic provides a low-cost option to those who are accepted as a patient with fees typically one-third the usual and customary dental fees charged in private practice but an increased appointment duration time. An initial screening appointment is necessary, which costs $132.00.
The resident clinic fees are higher than those charged in the student clinic, but less than you might expect to pay elsewhere
More information here: https://www.augusta.edu/dentalmedicine/patientservices/newpatients.php
Or contact 706-721-2371
Augusta University Pearl E. White App to teach children proper dental hygiene in a game format
COVID-19 Resources:
COVID-19 Testing
Richmond Co. Health Department - South Augusta
Monday-Friday 8am-2pm
Pre-register at: www.ecphd.com/covidtesting
2420 Windsor Spring Rd, Augusta, GA 30906
706-721-5800
COVID-19 Vaccination
www.gta-vras.powerappsportals.us/en-US
706-721-5800
COVID-19 Symptom Checker:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms
Antibody Infusion Provider Referral form: https://augustauniversity.app.box.com/v/antibody-infusion-referral
Medications:
Catholic Social Services
Assistance with prescriptions and long distance transportation
811 12t St. Augusta, Ga 30901
706-722-3661
Discounted Prescriptions and Coupons:
Nutrition, Transportation, Housing:
Beulah Grove Community Resource Center, Inc
Referrals, health clinic, financial assistance for food, clothing, rent/utilities if funds available
1446 Lee Beard Way Augusta, Ga 30901
706-722-4999
Richmond County Public Transit - South and Paratransit Van Service
Public van transportation available to all residents of Richmond county living in Hephzibah,
McBean, and Blythe (areas south of Bobby Jones Expressway and not on bus route) and public van transportation to qualifying persons with permanent or temporary disabilities
706-821-1497
1535 Fenwick Street Augusta, GA 30904
Other Resources:
Cancer Support Services
Emergency relief services, lodging , outreach for cancer patients and their families
https://www.cancersupportservices.org/
1369 Interstate Parkway
Augusta, GA 30909-5626
Phone: (706) 736-5467
Consult-A-Nurse
Free service from HCA Hospitals designed to provide physician referrals and health information.
(706) 651-4343
Federal Poverty Levels for reference:
Source: www.dch.georgia.gov