SPEARFISH -- When other fledgling nonprofit organizations are struggling to find willing volunteers and funding to get their vision off the ground, at the first anniversary of its inception on Feb. 2, the Good Shepherd Clinic had a very unique need -- more patients.

"Our challenge is to educate folks to know that we are available," Helen Merriman, the clinic's board president, said.

Because the clinic is located in a local church a common misconception has been that only local parishioners are welcome. But the clinic strives to serve all who need them, regardless of their faith or beliefs.

The clinic serves those who have no insurance, are between the ages of 18 to 64 and qualify under income guidelines that mirror the 200 percent federal poverty level. In its first year, the clinic has provided medical care to more than 300 uninsured patients in the past year. "I think it was a tremendous first year. It went way beyond expectations," Merriman said.

Kerri Shue of Whitewood is unemployed, doesn't have health insurance and has been a frequent user of the clinic, starting with an episode with a bad cold a year ago.

Her most recent visit was to get a refill on a prescription for smoking-cessation medication. "If it hadn't been for the free clinic, I wouldn't be on my way to being a non-smoker," she said.

The clinic is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Monday in the fellowship hall at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1020 State Street. No appointments are taken; patients are seen in turn, according to their immediate medical needs.

Clinic board members credit community support for its success.

"We've been blessed with tremendous community support. If we are in need of anything, somebody steps through the door," Merriman said.

The clinic has had more than 160 volunteers during the past year, nearly 20 of whom are physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants from the Northern Hills who donate their time and expertise each week.

Board chairman Don Aker said the operations have been smooth for a first-year venture. "If there has been a complaint, the volunteer rotation may be too long," he said. Volunteers generally wait six weeks between call-ups, when many prefer to work more often.

"We don't have trouble filling the spots," pharmacy tech and volunteer Kate Haivala of Spearfish said.

But it isn't only medical experts who volunteer. Jodi Bartell is a prayer leader for patients and volunteers. She is a nurse in Spearfish who went on a Nicaraguan mission trip with clinic founder Dr. Steven Vosler. Bartell said the experience there inspired her to take on the prayer ministry for people with specific needs and to also volunteer at the clinic.

Aker said the board is considering broadening its reach, but it is also weighing the pains that can come with growth.

Local businesses and private donors have been generous in defraying clinic costs. Medications are paid for with $4-per-prescription agreements with Wal-Mart and Safeway pharmacies. However, those deals are underwritten with private donations. Increasing the coverage area increases the potential costs, Aker said.

The clinic's aim will shift to education for their second year.

"We want to make people comfortable enough to come and ask for assistance. We're here to help," board member Sue Konstant said.

The clinic now averages 12 patients a week, about half of their full capacity of 25.

Another focus in the coming year is to get the word out to communities outside of Spearfish that the clinic is available to those in all Northern Hills communities, from Newell to Lead and everywhere in between.

As Merriman looks toward the clinic's second year of service, she is excited about the work yet to be done.

"I feel very blessed to be a part of this. I'm extraordinarily thankful. knowing that we've helped so many people," she said.