MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky.---Sick kids getting worse because parents can't afford to take them to the doctor. One group says that's a growing reality in their county and they have a prescription for the problem, but it's not easy to fill.
They want a free clinic for the working poor in Marshall County. Those involved say you wouldn't believe how many people work full time jobs, and still can't afford basic health care.  People like single mother Marlene Watkins.

"I don't want to sit back and take a handout, and there's lots of people that don't want to sit back and take a handout," Watkins said.

Raising a 13 year old on a hair stylist's income is hard. 
Marlene Watkins knows all about making tough decisions, even when it comes to her own health.

"It's expensive.  As a single parent with one income sometimes that choice is not there to go to the doctor," Watkins said.

So a free clinic, would be a godsend.
That's why pastor Tim Polley got involved.

"By the time they pay the rent, feed the kids, clothe the kids and any other expenses there's no money for insurance let alone any kind of doctor visit," Polley said.

Polley said he gets countless calls from families who need help paying for doctor visits.
But before the free clinic can help anyone, it needs help getting off the ground.  The Marshall County Hospital already agreed to let the clinic use part of this building, for free.

At the free clinic board meeting, the Marshall County Elks also made a major donation. 
Five thousand dollars.

Even with a handful of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists eager to volunteer, this group's dream is still thousands of dollars away from become a reality. 

One that could be a life saver for this family of two.
Polley said the clinic needs at least 60-thousand dollars a year to stay open.  With today's donation, and a few others, the group's about 54-thousand dollars away from that amount. They'd like to open their doors some time in November.
Between now and then there's a major fundraiser.  It's called a mudicine run.  It's a 5k obstacle race, that takes place in October.
Polley said the group discussed the possible implications of the health care act and that they believe that even if the act passes, there will still be working families falling through the cracks and in serious of need of free health care.
If you'd like to financially help the free clinic, send a tax deductible donation to PO Box 793 Benton, KY. 42025.