National Association of
Free & Charitable Clinics

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1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies provide access to healthcare for uninsured and underinsured people in communities across the U.S. Find one near you!

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Our Mission
Our Vision

Our Mission

Building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare.

Everyday, people throughout America struggle with choosing between paying for food and a place to live or going to the doctor and getting their needed medications. Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies are on the frontlines making sure access to healthcare is not just a dream, but a reality.

Our Vision

A just society that ensures a healthy life and well-being for all.

Access to affordable healthcare is a crucial part of public health. At the NAFC, we believe that access to healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. We value human dignity and access to quality, compassionate and equitable healthcare.

Building a Healthy America, One Person at a Time.

Our Impact What We Do

The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of medically underserved people throughout the U.S. and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies that serve them. NAFC programs provide a wide range of support to our members and in turn patients through funding, education and training, advocacy, standards, disaster relief, and more.

Charitable Pharmacies of America

Health Equity

Quality Standards

By the Numbers

1,400+

Free & Charitable Clinics

1.7M

Patients Served Annually

5.8M

Patient Visits Annually

175K+

Volunteers Annually

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Latest News

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Healthcare Reimagined? Trump’s Second-Term Policies and the Impact on Access and Equity

With President Donald Trump winning a second term, we’re preparing for healthcare reforms that could reshape access to care for millions of Americans. For the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), these changes hit close to home. Our mission, “building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare,” drives us to provide […]

How Texas’ New Citizenship Checks at Hospitals Endanger Public Health

Starting November 1, Texas hospitals must ask patients about their citizenship status under a new mandate from Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-46. On the surface, this may seem like a simple question, but the implications could be serious. Imagine being someone needing urgent medical care but afraid to go to the hospital because of […]

Direct Relief Commits $1 Million to Free and Charitable Clinics Serving Patients Throughout the U.S.

Direct Relief last month announced $1 million in support to free and charitable clinics in the U.S. to fund health equity efforts in their communities. The announcement was made in collaboration with the National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics, or NAFC, an organization that represents more than 1,400 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies […]

Amidst Medicaid Unwinding, 80% of Free Clinics are Experiencing an Increase in Demand

Alexandria, VA, March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) released the 2024 Data Report, including insights from over 1,000 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies sites across the United States, to determine the status and needs of healthcare in underserved communities across the country. In total, […]

Teva to Provide Second Round of Funding to Clinics in California, Florida and New Jersey as Part of $2 Million Commitment Through Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care Program

Grant funding of $75,000 to each clinic is part of Teva’s $2 million, two-year commitment to support clinics’ innovative mental and behavioral health programs tailored to meet community needs Community Routes is a collaborative effort between Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and Teva Pharmaceuticals to help advance quality mental health […]

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Acquires the Charitable Pharmacies of America

Organizations join forces as the Charitable Pharmacies of America officially becomes a subsidiary of the NAFC, marking the NAFC’s second acquisition in 3 years. Alexandria, VA, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) announces the acquisition of the Charitable Pharmacies of America. This collaboration closely follows […]

NAFC Receives $1.28M 2-Year Grant for Free & Charitable Clinics from McKesson Foundation

Funds will be allocated for clinics and pharmacies to increase cancer screenings and prevention, address food insecurity, and increase Medication Therapy Management. Alexandria, VA, Sept. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and the McKesson Foundation announce a $1.28M grant dispersed over 2023 and 2024 to address […]

NAFC Responds to Devastating Cuts in the House FY2024 Appropriations Bill

NAFC Urges Senate & House Members to Prioritize Needs of Millions of Americans Over Politics in House FY2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, & Related Agencies Appropriations Bill Alexandria, VA, July 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) expresses their profound disappointment with the cuts and program […]

U.S. Mental Health Access Program Expands Medicine Donation to Seven New States

“Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care” helps uninsured patients access healthcare for anxiety and depression, and is a partnership between Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and Teva Pharmaceuticals The expansion of medicine donations for anxiety and depression into seven new states across the United States has the potential […]

Free and Charitable Clinics Served 5.8 million People in 2022

Today, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) released the 2023 Data Report. The Data Report includes insights from 775 free and charitable clinics across the United States to determine the status, demand, and needs of healthcare in communities across the country. In total, there were 5.8 million patient visits at free and […]

NAFC Presents Seventh and Final RWJF Award for Health Equity to the late Nancy Lascheid

Alexandria, VA, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) presented the Seventh and Final Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Award for Health Equity to Nancy Lascheid, Co-Founder of Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples, Florida. A true loss to her community, Nancy Lascheid passed away on August 22, 2022. She […]

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors

Alexandria, VA, Feb. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) welcomes new officers and three new members to their 2023 Board of Directors. Maureen Tomoschuk, President & CEO of Community Volunteers in Medicine in Pennsylvania, has been elected to serve as Chair of the NAFC board. Tomoschuk previously […]

Clinics Across Florida, New Jersey & California Advancing Mental Health in Underserved Communities – Awarded Funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals, Direct Relief and NAFC

Community Routes: Access to Mental Healthcare, a partnership between Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, and Teva Pharmaceuticals, provides awards to support clinics expanding access to mental health services across three states Teva Pharmaceuticals, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and Direct Relief announced today – as part […]

The Owens & Minor Foundation Announces Donation to National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics

$100,000 donation will support National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics programming and health equity scholarship opportunities. Donation advances the Owens & Minor Foundation’s goal of helping to create healthier communities. RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 25, 2022– The Owens & Minor Foundation today announced a donation of $100,000 to the National Association of Free and Charitable […]

Hurricane Ian: Receiving Assistance from the NAFC

For many residents in the south, and especially in Florida, Hurricane Ian has left a trail of devastation in its path. According to a late September report from The Washington Post, more than 700 rescues were being conducted after Ian ravaged the state. The death toll is still being counted as of this writing. As […]

BD, Heart to Heart International, NAFC and Henry Schein Cares Award Critical Lab Equipment to Six U.S. Free and Charitable Clinics

Public-Private Partnership Supporting Diagnostic Testing in Vulnerable Communities has Provided $2.6 Million to U.S. Clinics Since 2017 to Help Improve Patient Outcomes and Health Equity FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Sept. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, in conjunction with Heart to Heart International (HHI), the […]

Nicole Lamoureux Discusses Providing Communities with Free Healthcare

Nicole Lamoureux, President and CEO of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, was interviewed by host Adam Torres on the Mission Matters Innovation Podcast. For more, visit: https://missionmatters.com/nicole-lamoureux-discusses-providing-communities-with-free-healthcare/

Sixth Annual RWJF Award for Health Equity Presented by the NAFC Awarded to Ilana Steinhauer

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces Call for Nominations for Seventh Annual Award The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics announced that the Sixth Annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Award for Health Equity Presented by the NAFC has been awarded to Ilana Steinhauer, Executive Director of the Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, […]

Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and Teva Pharmaceuticals Partner to Advance Access to Behavioral Health Services

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. & PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), and Teva Pharmaceuticals today launched a new program to expand medication access and provide grant funding to free and charitable clinics that care for medically underserved patients suffering from depression and/or anxiety. Teva is providing free and […]

Direct Relief, BD, NAFC Announce Free and Charitable Clinic Grant Winners

Eko and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Partner to Improve Cardiovascular Care in Medically Underserved Communities

Medication Can Be An Expensive Barrier to Care. At Charitable Pharmacies, It’s Free.

Charitable pharmacies are a medication safety-net for those who can’t afford their medications and would otherwise be turned away. In the U.S., those who can’t afford their medications often go without them. Most pharmacies charge for prescription drugs and, unlike hospital emergency rooms, “if you don’t have the money, you get turned away,” said Rusty […]

NPT Power & Influence Top 50 (2021) – Featuring NAFC President and CEO Nicole Lamoureux

THE PANDEMIC DIDN’T SOCIAL-DISTANCE THESE EXECUTIVES FROM MISSION You’d excuse a nonprofit executive for looking to the sky and expecting frogs to be raining down. There are words to describe the past year but they either fall short of comprehensiveness or you simply can’t print them in a professional publication. The year was a showcase […]

Free Georgia health clinic for uninsured receives $2.5 million to relocate, expand

Since it opened in 2015, the Clarkston Community Health Center has attracted long lines of impoverished patients, at times becoming so busy that it has been forced turn some away. The volunteer-run nonprofit has provided free care to more than 5,500 immigrants, refugees and U.S.-born people without health insurance. Some have traveled from Alabama, South […]

Free and Charitable Clinics Receive Grant for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

BD, Heart to Heart International and the NAFC Announce 2020/2021 Grantees for Multi-Year Diagnostic Testing Initiative to Improve Patient Outcomes As part of a continued effort to support and improve evidence-based care in free and charitable clinics, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, in conjunction with Heart to […]

Volunteers In Medicine America Moves its Program to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

Volunteers in Medicine America (VIMA) is closing the doors of its national office and moving its free clinic program to the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC). Volunteers in Medicine America was founded by Dr. Jack McConnell in 1994 to build and support a network of free primary health care clinics emphasizing the […]

Vistaprint Donates 240,000 Face Masks and Filters to NAFC to Reach Underserved Communities

In Vistaprint’s commitment to supporting community-wide action to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the company has partnered with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) to help underserved communities throughout the United States fight the pandemic. The NAFC has received a donation of 240,000 reusable Face Masks and filters from Vistaprint that will be distributed to more than 125 Free and Charitable Clinics in 39 states throughout the country.

Biogen and Eisai launch multiple initiatives to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease access ADUHELM™

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following today’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) accelerated approval of ADUHELMTM (aducanumab-avwa) as the first and only Alzheimer’s disease treatment to address a defining pathology of the disease by reducing amyloid beta plaques in the brain, Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) and Eisai Inc., U.S. subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., announced a range of programs intended to support access for all qualified patients, including traditionally underserved populations. These initiatives aim to help patients and their families understand the disease, navigate the diagnostic journey, secure culturally competent care and afford treatment.

Free and Charitable Health Clinics Put the ‘Net’ in Safety Net

During May, we celebrate nurses for all they do to keep patients healthy – even more deserved because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when excellent patient care can mean life and death. Nicole Lamoreaux, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), calls nurses “the heart and soul of what we do.” Her nonprofit works to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable, quality health care.

Fauquier Free Clinic continues to see patients – Some operational changes in effect

The Fauquier County Free Clinic is still operating in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis. “We are still open, still taking care of people,” said executive director Rob Marino. The Free Clinic, located at 35 Rock Pointe Lane in Warrenton provides comprehensive medical, dental and mental health care for residents in Fauquier and Rappahannock […]

Good News Clinics striving to maintain service, but call before you come

Pictures of Good News Clinics – photos by Scott Rogers Even amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Good News Clinics strives to remain steady for its patients. Liz Coates, executive director of the nonprofit, said Good News, which specifically serves those without health insurance, has been managing people’s chronic diseases for nearly 30 years. The clinics operate […]

Protective Gear Bound for Approximately 1,000 U.S. Health Centers and Clinics Fighting Covid-19

Direct Relief this week is shipping 250,000 N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to as many as 1,000 community health centers and free clinics in all 50 U.S. states that are playing a critical frontline role as Covid-19 spreads. “Direct Relief is doing everything it can to bolster the front lines of the […]

GoodRx Launches GoodRx Helps, a $40+ Million Charitable Initiative to Help Improve Healthcare for Americans Who Need It Most

Philanthropic effort partners with clinics, physicians and medical professionals across America to provide free medications to low-income patients

Fifth Annual RWJF Award for Health Equity Presented by the NAFC Awarded to Dr. Maurice Lee

The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) presents the Fifth Annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Award for Health Equity to Dr. Maurice Lee, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of St. Vincent de Paul’s Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. “For decades, Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies, their […]

CVS Health increases access to flu vaccines in communities of need

Thursday, December 10, 2020 – WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today announced it is supporting a nearly $3 million commitment to increasing access to flu vaccines for underserved communities throughout the country. Through its Project Health initiative, CVS Health is contributing $2 million to the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) to help distribute flu vaccines to […]

CVS Health and CVS Health Foundation announce nearly $1.25 million to increase access to health care and address food insecurity in Ohio

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 – WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) and the CVS Health Foundation today announced a total of nearly $1.25 million in grants to help underserved communities in Ohioincrease access to food and health care. CVS Health will provide $1 million to free and charitable clinics in Ohio to increase access to telehealth services in coordination with the National Association […]

Faith groups are vital to the social safety net. But volunteers they rely on are aging and their denominations are shrinking.

CRAB ORCHARD, Tenn. — On a Tuesday morning in early November, Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, dressed in a full habit, the wind whipping her veil behind her, stood in the parking lot of Crab Orchard Christian Church, where the mobile clinic she runs out of a 40-foot-long truck was parked. “I am a rebel,” said […]

Henry Schein Cares Foundation Launches the ‘Wearing Is Caring’ Campaign Supported by The UPS Foundation

Public Health Awareness Campaign to Promote Access to Health Among Underserved Communities, and Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Hot Spots MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 20, 2020– The Henry Schein Cares Foundation (HSCF), in partnership with The UPS Foundation, recently launched ‘Wearing is Caring,’ a public health awareness campaign designed to raise awareness of health care disparities in underserved […]

Free clinics see more patients and less funding since start of pandemic

HANNIBAL, MO (WGEM) – According to the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, 80 percent of those clinics say funding is their biggest concern since the start of the pandemic. The Hannibal Free Clinic has also seen this problem. The clinic is run completely on donations and fundraisers, which have suffered since the start […]

Community Clinics Face COVID-19 Crisis

Skyrocketing demand and severe cuts in funding leave clinics that serve the poor and underinsured teetering on the brink. NBC’s Sarah Dallof reports. Demand has skyrocketed at nearly three quarters of their 1,400 locations. Meanwhile, donations have dropped more than 50 percent. “The worst case scenario is free and charitable clinics run out of money […]

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics’ Lamoureux on Uptick in Health Needs

Nicole Lamoureux, National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics CEO, discusses the rising number of Americans losing health insurance. She speaks with Vonnie Quinn and Amanda Lang on “Bloomberg Markets.” (Source: Bloomberg)

New Data Shows Surge in Demand for Free Healthcare Services Amid COVID-19

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics reports 74% of its providers have seen increase in patient demand. With nearly 50M Americans currently unemployed, many are consequently left without health insurance.

The 2020 NPT Power & Influence Top 50 – Nonprofit Leaders Answer The Call Amid Pandemic, Social Unrest

Americans have always been charitable with their money and time. The U.S. tax system was just five years old and included a tax exemption for gifts to charities when the H1N1 pandemic of 1918 struck the world, infecting 500 million people and killing 50 million, including 675,000 in the United States. And, it was just […]

More than Five Million American Workers Have Lost Health Insurance. Here’s What That Means.

Having health insurance comes with clear advantages. Insured people are less likely to die and more likely to seek care, explained Stan Dorn, the director of the National Center for Coverage Innovation at Families USA, a health care advocacy nonprofit. “We know that there are really serious consequences in terms of higher hospitalization rates if […]

Coronavirus Victims Include Health Clinics in Minority Communities

Low-cost and free health clinics that serve large minority and low-income communities are being hit hard by the pandemic, with nearly 2,000 health-center sites closing temporarily and others worried about their financial futures, trends that risk widening racial disparities in health care. Federally funded community health centers that serve many of these people have temporarily […]

Expanding COVID-19 testing for those who need it most

Communities across the country are grappling with how to recover and rebuild during COVID-19, especially in traditionally underserved neighborhoods hit hard by the pandemic. As just one example, although African Americans make up 14 percent of the overall population in Michigan1, they account for approximately 31 percent of COVID-19 cases and 40 percent of deaths […]

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Launches Membership Quality Standards Program

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) announces the launch of their membership Quality Standards Program. The mission of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable health care. The NAFC and its members are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive quality […]

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Joins Global Day of Giving and Unity #GivingTuesdayNow to Support Clinics on the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is responding to meet the needs of uninsured and medically underserved people throughout the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing continued support to Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies and kicking off their COVID-19 Response Fund.

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Partners with Updox for Virtual Care During COVID-19

Partnership expands healthcare reach for at-risk populations while protecting healthcare providers – Updox, a comprehensive Telehealth and Collaboration Platform, today announced a partnership with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) to offer its full telehealth solution to NAFC physicians and clinics in the fight against COVID-19. Updox Telehealth includes HIPAA-compliant Video Chat, SMS and Secure Text messaging to support […]

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces Grantees from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Response Fund

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has distributed 25 grants made available through the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) COVID-19 Response Fund. In response to the current pandemic, the Fund was launched to support preparedness, containment, response and recovery activities for those most affected and for the responders. Through this Fund, CDP […]

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces Grant Funding Through Partner Direct Relief to Support Clinics on the Frontlines During COVID-19 Pandemic

The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) announced today that Direct Relief, a longtime partner of the NAFC, will be distributing a $1 million grant program to the NAFC to support Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies during this COVID-19 pandemic. 2 million people receive access to health care through America’s 1,400 […]

Mobile Messaging Technology Helps Safety Net Providers with Emergency COVID-19 Patient & Staff Communication

With Safety Net Providers across the country on the front lines of combatting COVID-19 among underserved populations, The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) have partnered with non-profit technology organization, CareMessage, to encourage usage of CMLight, a COVID-19 communication tool for patients and staff […]

Free clinics deal with volunteer shortage, canceled fundraisers as economic hardship looms

Weeks before hospitals and doctors’ offices began canceling appointments and the governor started limiting gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Karen Legato knew hard times were coming. Legato, executive director of Health Brigade — one of more than 60 medical clinics in Virginia that offer free services to uninsured and low-income people — began […]

Protective Gear Bound for Approximately 1,000 U.S. Health Centers and Clinics Fighting Covid-19

Free clinic’s drive-up service among local virus controls

On a normal day the Highlands Health free clinic may have 20 people crammed into the waiting room at 340 Main St. in Johnstown. With the risk of spreading coronavirus through close contact with others, clinic leaders realized change was needed. “We knew we had to do something,” Executive Director Rosalie Danchanko said. “We came […]

5 million Texans lack health insurance. Here’s how that complicates the coronavirus response.

Texas has the highest share of uninsured residents of any state, with nearly 18% of people lacking health coverage, and many are unable to take paid sick leave from work. Experts say that makes it harder to contain an outbreak. For Christian Gutierrez, preparing for a coronavirus outbreak is as much a financial consideration as […]

Free & Charitable Clinics Awarded $125,000 to Advance Diabetes Care Among Vulnerable Populations

Direct Relief, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) today announced $125,000 in funding for five clinics through the Continuity in Care Grant Program, a three-year initiative, now in its final year, to help NAFC member organizations sustain and expand diabetes care in medically underserved areas. Free and Charitable […]

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Welcomes New Members and Officers to the Board of Directors

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) announces new officers for their Board of Directors, as well as two new additions to the Board. Stephanie Garris Headshot, newly elected NAFC Board Chair Stephanie Garris, J.D., Chief Executive Officer of Grace Medical Home in Orlando, Florida has been elected to serve as Chair of […]

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Recognizes CVS Health’s Eileen Howard Boone as the NAFC 2019 Safety Net Health Care Champion Awardee

Alexandria, VA, Nov. 21, 2019 — The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is proud to announce that Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy for CVS Health and President of the CVS Health Foundation, has been presented with the NAFC 2019 Safety Net Health Care Champion Award. […]

New WV Health Right program offers ongoing support for mothers with addiction

At West Virginia Health Right, new mothers with substance abuse problems have a new way to get themselves and their babies healthy. The HOPE program tries to connect mothers and babies directly with the health care and support they need in everything from dental care to addiction treatment and therapy, said Angie Settle, CEO of […]

Depression hits home hard, but resources remain few

The 18th century English writer Samuel Johnson called it the “black dog.” Abraham Lincoln called it “the hypos.” But whatever you call it, clinical depression is a burden, especially if help is hard to come by. That’s the situation in Orange County, where therapists in private practice are few in number and their hourly rates […]

Free health clinic in Walworth Co. nears seven year anniversary

ELKHORN — According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a staggering 27.5 million people across the United States have no health insurance. For those Americans, one serious illness or catastrophic accident could mean devastating debt. Free clinics for the uninsured are available around Wisconsin. One of them in Elkhorn serves people who are uninsured, live or […]

‘If we’re not here, the people die’: In the forgotten region of Appalachia, health care comes from a wagon – Nurses fill a medical care gap in rural areas

COEBURN, Va. — When nurses Teresa Tyson and Paula Hill pull their RV into the small towns of Appalachia, they bring a warmth that’s part of the charm of these mountains. They also bring help that’s become scarce in this part of the country. “It’s kind of like we’re the forgotten people,” Hill says. “Not […]

Uninsured In The Sunshine State

ALMOST A DECADE AFTER THE AFFORDable Care Act was passed and six years after it began, with its central promise to afford every American good health insurance, about 2.7 million or 13 percent of Floridians have none. That’s the highest rate in 47 out of 50 states, says the U.S. Census Bureau in a report […]

Charleston hospitality workers can’t pay for health care, so a clinic is offering it for free

Charleston’s hospitality workers struggle to pay for health care so often that a clinic catering to low-income patients on James, Johns, Folly and Wadmalaw islands has opened its doors to them. The Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic began accepting downtown restaurant and hotel workers at its office on Johns Island after realizing just how few […]

Michael Jordan has funded a clinic to serve patients with little or no health insurance

(CNN)Six-time NBA champion and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan unveiled the first of two medical clinics he has funded in the North Carolina city. The facility will offer care to Charlotte residents, including underinsured and uninsured patients. At the opening Thursday of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, Jordan gave an emotional speech. […]

Community Health Hero: People’s Health Clinic

COURTESY ERIK SEO PHOTOGRAPHY People’s Health Clinic, Park City, Utah: Park City, Utah, is an outdoor sports and entertainment utopia. Some 600,000 people a year pass through to visit its world-class ski resorts, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, or attend the Sundance Film Festival. For many of the 8,000 full-time residents, something is missing: […]

Free Clinic of Meridian receives grant for laboratory

Patients of the Free Clinic of Meridian will soon be able to get laboratory test results on site because of a grant the clinic received, leaders of the clinic said Thursday. The clinic is one of six nationwide to receive the funds for a diagnostic laboratory, according to a news release. The new equipment will […]

Community Clinics Receive Grant for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

BD, Heart to Heart International and the NAFC Announce 2019 Grantees for Multi-Year Diagnostic Testing Initiative to Improve Patient Outcomes Alexandria, VA, Sept. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of a continued effort to support and improve evidence-based care in community clinics, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology […]

Number of uninsured Americans rises for the first time since Obamacare

The number of Americans lacking health insurance ticked up slightly last year, marking the first annual increase in the uninsured rate in nearly a decade, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday. The uninsured rate rose from 7.9 percent in 2017 to 8.5 percent last year, amounting to nearly 2 million more uninsured people, as experts […]

Free Community Health Fair for Uninsured Adults

Free Community Health Fair for Uninsured Adults from NCTV17 Naperville News 17 on Vimeo. Community Health Fair The Islamic Center of Naperville and Community United Methodist Church came together for the third year to host their free community health fair. “We belong to one community which is humanity, regardless of our race and religion. Our ailments are the […]

Project Community: Volunteers in Medicine working to serve the under served in the Lowcountry

Ivan Yunga is a father of two who lives in Bluffton and works construction on Hilton Head Island. He has diabetes, and back in 2013, he suffered from a heart attack. With no health insurance, treatment was expensive. Luckily, he was able to turn to Volunteers in Medicine. “At this clinic, they don’t care about […]

In the coalfields, UVa telemedicine provides antidote to doctor shortages, poor health

ROANOKE — David Cattell-Gordon is explaining the marvels of the University of Virginia’s telemedicine programs when he decides to show what he means. He turns on a computer screen at the UVa Center for Telemedicine in Charlottesville where he is the director, and with a couple of clicks, a stroke cart with a video monitor […]

CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation Building Healthier Communities across the Country with Nearly $3 Million in New Grants to Free Clinics

New funding from CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation to approximately 130 clinics will increase access to care as part of longstanding partnership with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics WOONSOCKET, R.I., July 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — As part of an ongoing commitment to building healthier communities, CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) and its Foundation […]

One on One with Steve Adubato – Interview with BVIM CEO Amanda Missey

St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic sees success through free psychiatric treatment

A tall, gray-haired, sorta-retired country doc with a pony tail. That’s how Dr. Otis L. Baughman, the former dean and director of medical education at Spartanburg Medical Center, describes himself. “That’s about as (nonthreatening) as you can get,” he said. His approachable nature is just part of what allowed St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic’s relatively […]

Churches Wipe Out Millions In Medical Debt For Others

The leaders of Pathway Church on the outskirts of Wichita, Kan., had no clue that the $22,000 they already had on hand for Easter would have such impact. The nondenominational suburban congregation of about 3,800 had set out only to help people nearby pay off some medical debt, recalled Larry Wren, Pathway’s executive pastor. After […]

NAFC Distributes Donation of BOMBAS Socks to Free Clinics

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has distributed a donation of 3,000 BOMBAS socks. NAFC distributed the socks to 11 clinics in 10 states who demonstrated the greatest need. Among those clinics receiving socks is the Hawaii HOME Project. “Our clinic services the homeless population in Hawaii, and socks are a very […]

NAFC Announces Board of Directors Call for Nominations

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is now accepting applications for its 2020 Board of Directors Nominations. The NAFC’s 13-member Board seeks candidates committed to its mission of caring for America’s medically underserved and the organizations who serve them. “Our nation’s free and charitable clinics are a vital component of our healthcare […]

Nominations Requested for Fourth Annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Award for Health Equity presented by the NAFC

The application period for the Fourth Annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Award for Health Equity, presented by the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC), is underway and members of the NAFC are encouraged to submit a nomination. The RWJF Award for Health Equity is meant to celebrate and honor individuals across the […]

1 in 3 Rural Americans Struggle to Afford Health Care – Medical expenses are more difficult to pay for than food and housing, a new poll finds.

ABOUT 1 IN 3 RURAL Americans say they’ve struggled to afford health care in recent years – even more so than the share who have had trouble paying for food or housing, a new survey indicates. Rural communities – which tend to be older, poorer and sicker than urban areas – can face a complex set of challenges […]

Direct Relief Donates $1.4 million to 11 Texas Free and Charitable Clinics for Hurricane Harvey Recovery and Resilience

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Direct Relief today announced it is providing $1.4 million in grants to 11 free health clinics in Southeast Texas, to help them recover from lingering damage from Hurricane Harvey, make them more resilient to future severe storms, and increase their capacity to serve patients. Direct Relief is […]

Cancer Is Especially Dangerous for Immigrants in Texas. Here’s Why

Carlos Rivera had been losing weight and living with fierce abdominal pain before being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. He initially faced problems getting treatment because of a lack of options for Rio Grande Valley residents who were uninsured or couldn’t afford to pay on their own. Charlotte Huff/Kaiser Health News BY CHARLOTTE HUFF / KAISER HEALTH […]

Uninsured Americans were ignored when Congress grilled pharma execs

Seven top pharma executives testified before Congress on Tuesday about the rising cost of medications in what some had predicted to be a watershed moment for the pharmaceutical industry. They were grilled about their pricing process, profit margins, and even their own salaries as lawmakers expressed outrage about high drug prices, including those for the lifesaving, necessary […]

Free clinics: The little-known safety net of US healthcare

West Virginia’s largest free clinic sits on a quiet street in Charleston, the small capital city of a state often called America’s unhealthiest. Since 1982, West Virginia Health Right has offered under- and un-insured patients access to healthcare at little to no cost. “I think free and charitable clinics are the most overlooked jewel of the […]

Poll: Majorities Favor a Range of Options to Expand Public Coverage, Including Medicare-for-All

At a time when debate is beginning about a national Medicare-for-all plan and other approaches to expanding coverage through public programs, this month’s KFF Health Tracking poll examines Americans’ early opinion on a range of options under consideration… Source: Kaiser Family Foundation Article Link: https://www.kff.org/health-reform/press-release/poll-majorities-favor-a-range-of-options-to-expand-public-coverage-including-med

Direct Relief, BD and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announce Winners of the Continuity in Care Grant Program

Direct Relief, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) selected 25 clinics from applicants across the country to take part in the Continuity in Care Grant Program. The program provides funding for programs which will allow NAFC member organizations to continue or expand their ability to provide […]

West Virginia Health Right Inc.’s Angela Settle Awarded the Third Annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Equity Presented by the NAFC

The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has presented the Third Annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Award for Health Equity to Angela Settle, Family Nurse Practitioner and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Health Right, Inc. “Free and Charitable Clinics, their staff and their volunteers have been providing access to care and […]

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and CVS Health Foundation Announce the 2018 Safety Net Health Care Champion Awardees

To highlight the important work being done across the country to provide affordable, accessible health care to the medically underserved, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has partnered with the CVS Health Foundation, a private charitable organization created by CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), to present the Safety Net Health Care Champion Awards. […]

CVS Health Announces Commitment to Build Healthier Communities in Ohio

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today announced a series of community investments to improve the health and wellness of local communities in Ohio. More than $150,000 in new grants will help support Ohio nonprofits helping to mitigate prescription drug abuse and expand access to quality, convenient and affordable care across the state.

BD, Heart to Heart International and the NAFC Announce 2018 Grantees for a Multi-Year Point of Care Testing Initiative to Improve Patient Outcomes

Alexandria, VA, Jun 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – In an effort to improve evidence-based care in Free and Charitable Clinics using point-of-care testing results, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) in conjunction with Heart to Heart International (HHI) and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) today announced six grants to select clinics […]

Smith Medical Clinic receives $20K grant for Health Matters program

Dozens of Smith Medical Clinic patients will have a chance to lead a healthier lifestyle thanks to a $20,000 grant and a partnership with the Georgetown County Family YMCA and the Lowcountry Food Bank. The CVS Health Foundation and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics announced on July 17 that Smith Medical Clinic is one of three clinics in South Carolina to receive a $20,000 grant to help patients manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Smith Medical Clinic in Pawleys Island offers free services for low-income people without health insurance.

Lakewood’s North Coast Health receives $20,000 grant toward chronic conditions initiative

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — North Coast Health — which provides healthcare to the low-income uninsured and under-insured, as well as to people covered by Medicaid, Medicare and other insurance programs — was recently awarded $20,000 from the CVS Health Foundation and National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC). “This is very significant,” North Coast Health […]

BD, Heart to Heart International and the NAFC Announce 2018 Grantees for a Multi-Year Point of Care Testing Initiative to Improve Patient Outcomes

In an effort to improve evidence-based care in Free and Charitable Clinics using point-of-care testing results, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) in conjunction with Heart to Heart International (HHI) and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) today announced six grants to select clinics in the United States.

Neighborhood Health Clinic awarded grant for generator

Neighborhood Health Clinic won’t be without power this hurricane season. They’ve come a long way from what they experienced with Hurricane Irma in September. The nonprofit clinic at 121 Goodlette-Frank Road in Naples was awarded an $83,000 grant from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics to purchase a generator. The grant was awarded […]

Direct Relief Partners with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics to Provide More Than $1.8 Million in Grants for Hurricane Response and Relief Efforts

As part of the ongoing efforts to support communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Direct Relief and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) announce over $1.8 million in grants to Free and Charitable Clinics in Texas and Florida. “Recovery from major disasters continues long after the headlines disappear,” said Damon Taugher, […]

CVS Health Foundation Awards Grant to Leahy Clinic

The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured at The University of Scranton was among only 49 recipients in the nation, and one of just three in Pennsylvania, to be awarded a grant from the CVS Health Foundation, a private charitable organization created by CVS Health, in support of the National Association of […]

Parish Outreach Center receives grant for diabetic care program

The Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, a clinic providing free or low-cost medical services to patients in and around Livingston County, is implementing a project focused on providing patients with comprehensive diabetic preventative care. The Outreach Center has received a $10,000 grant from the CVS Health Foundation, a private charitable organization created by CVS Health, and […]

Free Clinic receives $20K grant

The CVS Health Foundation— a private charitable organization created by CVS Health—is partnering with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics to award a $20,000 grant to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. The clinic provides health services for patients who are uninsured in Ventura County. The grant will allow the organization to provide […]

Diabetes prevention program gets boost from grant to West Chester Community Volunteers in Medicine

West Chester >> The CVS Health Foundation – a private charitable organization created by CVS Health – in partnership with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM), an organization in West Chester focusing on expanding patient access to the Centers for […]

LaGrange clinic gets grant for diabetes, hypertension care

Hope Health Clinic is an organization based in La Grange, Kentucky, that focuses on reducing health disparities for patients who are uninsured in the La Grange Area. With the help of the CVS Health Foundation and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), Hope Health Clinic recently was awarded a $20,000 grant that […]

Geneseo Parish Outreach Center Receives 10k Grant from CVS Health Foundation

GENESEO — The CVS Health Foundation in partnership with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) awarded a $10,000 grant to the Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, Inc., to provide medical care to uninsured patients. The grant will allow the organization to provide preventative care and health counseling to help patients with diabetes better manage their […]

Mission of Mercy receives grant to treat more patients with diabetes, hypertension

A nonprofit medical agency that provides mobile health services in Frederick and Brunswick was recently awarded a $15,000 grant to help patients with diabetes and hypertension. Mission of Mercy was awarded the grant through the CVS Health Foundation and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, a grassroots organization of mobile health clinics around […]

CVS Health Foundation Increases Access to Health Care Across the Country with $1 Million in New Grants

As part of its ongoing effort to making quality health care convenient and affordable for more Americans, the CVS Health Foundation, a private charitable organization created by CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), today extended its commitment to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) with $1 million in new grants to 49 Free and Charitable Clinics across the country. The new grants will focus on improving health outcomes for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

All Are Welcome: Health Clinics Work to Allay Fears of Immigrant Patients and their Families

Just beyond the reception desks at the two Clinica Romero health center sites in Los Angeles are signs in English and Spanish that say: “All Are Welcome,” as do buttons worn by staff members. That message at the two clinics, which welcome patients regardless of whether they can pay, aims to counter fears that health facilities such as clinics are prime arrest sites for undocumented immigrants.

“We are seeing stressed and worried patients as well as conversations about what could happen to patients among clinic staff,” said Nicole Lamoureux, CEO of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFCC), which has clinics in Fresno, Visalia and Tularc.

Stopgap spending plan leaves out CHIP kids’ health plan

Congress may have just put a two-week long band-aid onto government spending, but they left out one big program: children’s health care. The continuing resolution signed by President Donald Trump Friday keeps the federal government funded until December 22. And while Republican leaders in Congress praised a provision that acknowledges some states are about to […]

NAFC and Henry Schein Medical Address Diabetes and CVD Among the Medically Underserved This #GivingTuesday

The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and Henry Schein Medical, the U.S. medical business of Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), will provide much-needed diabetic and cardiovascular disease testing supplies to the medically underserved throughout the country this #GivingTuesday. Those who are interested in joining the NAFC’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit https://www.nafcclinics.org/content/your-donation-can-have-triple-impact-givingtuesday-november-28th-%E2%80%93-learn-how-you-can. Donations […]

Nicole Lamoureux Discusses the Role of Free Health Care Clinics

C-SPAN Washington Journal – Nicole Lamoureux of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics discusses the need for free health clinics in the U.S. and how new tax reform legislation would impact these resources. https://www.c-span.org/video/?437616-5/washington-journal-nicole-lamoureux-discusses-role-free-health-care-clinics

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Healthcare Reimagined? Trump’s Second-Term Policies and the Impact on Access and Equity

Thanksgiving: Ensuring Food Access to Your Community

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and, most importantly, sharing a meal with loved ones. However, for many families, accessing this simple joy can be a daunting challenge due to food insecurity. Here at the NAFC, we are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy a hearty meal this […]

What You Need to Know About 340B and Medication Access

What is 340B? The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a U.S. federal program that allows eligible healthcare providers, particularly those serving underserved populations, to purchase outpatient drugs at reduced prices. It was established in 1992 as part of the Public Health Service Act. Eligible entities under 340B, such as certain hospitals, community health centers, and […]

What is a Charitable Pharmacy?

What is a charitable pharmacy? A charitable pharmacy is a pharmacy that serves with the expressed purpose of improving health outcomes among the vulnerable by reducing health disparities and increasing medication access. The licensed pharmacy dispenses free or low-cost medications directly to uninsured and/or underserved patients. Who do they serve? A charitable pharmacy is dedicated […]

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding the Disease

October is an important month for many reasons, but perhaps none as vital as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This global campaign aims to increase awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease. For the general public, understanding what breast cancer is and how it impacts lives is crucial in […]

Understanding Where Cholesterol Comes From

Cholesterol is a word we often hear in discussions about heart health, but what exactly is it, and where does it come from? Its reputation isn’t the best, often linked with health issues like heart disease. However, it actually plays vital roles in our body, such as aiding in the production of hormones and vitamin […]

Examining the Importance of Skincare: What to Know

Ever wondered why skincare has become such a big deal in recent years? Look around, and you’ll see an explosion of products and advice. From social media influencers to dermatologists, everyone is talking about how to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Let’s take a look at why skincare is more than just a trend […]

The Importance of Dental Healthcare (and NAFC’s Commitment)

Maintaining our teeth and gums might not be high on everyone’s priority list, but the importance of dental healthcare cannot be overstated. Though dental health is intrinsically linked to our overall well-being, it is very easy to overlook. At the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), we are committed to changing this narrative […]

NAFC Partners with Nonprofit Sostento to Eliminate Transportation Barriers to Healthcare

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) recently formalized a partnership agreement with national nonprofit Sostento to help patients access health services through an innovative transportation initiative with rideshare giant Uber. The initiative–called Rides for Health Equity–allows patients to take free Sostento-sponsored Ubers to clinics, pharmacies, specialty appointments, and other places that help […]

Building a More Inclusive Workplace During Pride Month and Beyond

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a vital part of creating a welcoming environment for everyone, especially during Pride Month and beyond. For HR professionals, diversity advocates, social activists, and the general public, fostering an inclusive culture can lead to happier employees, more innovative ideas, and a stronger community. But where do you start? […]

Shedding Light on World Cancer Day

Cancer is a disease that has plagued humanity for centuries. It knows no boundaries of age, race, or gender and affects people from all walks of life. From the moment it was discovered, countless researchers have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for this dreaded illness. And yet, despite all the advancements in medicine, […]

NAFC Written Testimony to Subcommittee on Health Energy and Commerce

Written Testimony Submitted to Subcommittee on Health Energy and Commerce On behalf of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Nicole Lamoureux, CEO and President January 31, 2024 On behalf of the NAFC Board of Directors, our patients, and the 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies in the United States, thank you for […]

Poverty Awareness Month: A Call to Action

There is no better time than the present to raise awareness about the immense issues facing those living in poverty around the world. Each January, we observe Poverty Awareness Month, an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by the millions who struggle daily to survive and provide basic needs for themselves and their families. […]

A Look Back at the NAFC 2023 Symposium

The 2023 NAFC Charitable Healthcare Symposium was held October 11-13th in the beautiful Palm Springs area of California at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The Symposium is an annual conference event dedicated to advancing the cause of Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies in building healthy communities. The symposium serves as a melting pot of ideas, a […]

Preparing for the Holiday Season: Volunteering, Donating and More

The holiday season shines a spotlight on our communities and the importance of giving back. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to lend a helping hand or show your support through donations, there are plenty of ways to get ready for the season of giving this year that will benefit both yourself and those around […]

Celebrating Disability Pride Month and Inclusive Healthcare

July marks a significant and meaningful occasion – Disability Pride Month. This month-long celebration honors the resilience, achievements, and unique experiences of individuals with disabilities while raising awareness about the challenges they face daily. As we embrace the spirit of inclusivity, it is essential to reflect on the critical intersection between disability pride and healthcare, […]

NAFC Statement on the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) would like to express our profound disappointment with the cuts and program eliminations proposed in the House FY2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The bill disregards health equity, women’s health care, and gender-affirming health care, revealing an indifference to the […]

Mental Health Awareness Month: What to Know

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to learn more about and recognize the importance of taking care of our mental health and well-being. With so much focus on physical health, it’s easy to forget that our minds require love and attention, too. This month also offers an important reminder for everyone to […]

National Nutrition Month: What You Should Know

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to discuss the importance of good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Eating nutritious foods and practicing healthy lifestyles are key to our overall health and well-being. Making smart food choices can be fun and essential for developing a strong body and mind to manage our daily lives […]

Flu, COVID-19, RSV, Tripledemic… What remains a risk?

In the fall, the Flu, COVID-19, and RSV viruses were circulating and spreading with threats of a “tripledemic.” Here is what you need to know about these viruses, what is still a concern, and how to best protect yourself. What is RSV? RSV – which stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus – is a virus that […]

American Heart Month: Taking Stock of Your Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, which provides a great opportunity to discuss heart health. The heart is the most important organ, as it operates as the center of circulation for your body. Since it delivers nutrients, oxygen and ultimately powers your body, it’s important to take care of it! Here’s what you should know about […]

Smoking Cessation and the CDC Tips® Campaign

Smoking and tobacco use are major threats to a person’s health. The adverse effects of smoking are clear and well-documented. Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the human body and can increase the risk of more severe illness from viruses like COVID-19. Quitting smoking is important and beneficial at any age. Across the country, […]

The Giving Season and the Importance of Giving Back

The end of the year is often referred to as the giving season, a time to help others in need. In giving back, you can help provide communities with valuable needed resources. As access to healthcare other various necessities remain a challenge for so many, highlighting the importance of charity and giving helps spread awareness. […]

NAFC 2022 Charitable Healthcare Symposium: A Look Back

On October 24th and 25th, the NAFC held the 2022 Charitable Healthcare Symposium. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the NAFC transitioned to a virtual meeting in 2020 and 2021. This year, the NAFC was thrilled to join together in-person again at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, in Indiana. There was a buzz and excited energy in the […]

San José Clinic is Celebrating Its 100th Anniversary

San José Clinic, a member clinic of the NAFC, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! For a century, San José Clinic has supplied underserved communities in Texas with the healthcare and health education that those cannot afford. With services ranging from radiology to dental to pharmacy, the volunteers at San José Clinic have long […]

Hurricane Ian: Receiving Assistance from the NAFC

In Remembrance of Peggy Fitch

Back to School: How You Can Help Children In Need This Fall

Back-to-school season is quickly approaching, and for some places in the U.S is here! It can be exciting and nerve-racking for children, but being prepared as a parent can help calm their nerves. There are also numerous resources to help children who may need assistance, whether it’s with school supplies or healthcare. Here are some […]

Summer Safety: Keeping Healthy Under the Sun

Summer is usually the hottest season of the year and when you’ll probably be hanging outdoors and in the sun a lot. Summer safety is really important for you and your family as too much time under the sun and in the heat can be dangerous for your health. Being aware of the sun’s dangers […]

Interested in Starting a Free Clinic? Our VIM Program Can Help

Going back decades and then some, community leaders throughout the years and throughout the United States at some point in their lives recognized the needs of their neighbors who had no access to healthcare, and they decided to take action. In this blog post, we’ll look at the action of one man in particular, Dr. […]

The Importance of Mental Healthcare

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — one of the most important health-related months of the year! Established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness month came about to raise awareness on the importance of mental well-being for ourselves, our families, and everyone in our communities. Alongside our physical health, good mental health represents an equally important […]

Strengthening Community Health: Why You Should Volunteer with Your Local Clinic

Volunteers play a vital role in the sustainment, growth, and health of communities across the country. This is especially true when it comes to health equity and accessibility. Whether they’re a medical volunteer or non-medical, a volunteer nurse or a student, individuals who commit their valuable time and energy to support their communities are the […]

Emergency Disaster Relief: Helping Clinics, Helping Patients

At the NAFC, our work is inextricably tied to that of the free and charitable clinics and pharmacies we support. So, when disaster strikes, we are there and ready to provide these organizations with the guidance and resources they need to get back on their feet quickly and be able to assist and support their […]

Preventing Healthcare Worker Burnout on the Path Toward Nationwide Healing

Across the United States today, true heroism is displayed by our healthcare professionals. From the wounds and illnesses they treat to the compassion they show each patient, healthcare workers dedicate their lives to improving quality of life and devising safer, more effective care programs for patients of all walks of life. As the nation continues […]

In Remembrance of Dr. Mary Wirshup

For more than two decades, Dr. Mary Wirshup tirelessly served the countless medically underserved and uninsured patients that came through the doors of Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) in West Chester, PA. The NAFC is sad to share that after 20 years of service, Dr. Mary Wirshup passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022, surrounded […]

NAFC included in CVS Health commitment to maternal health as part of Biden-Harris Maternal Health Call to Action Day

The NAFC is grateful to be included in our partner CVS Health’s commitment to addressing maternal health disparities with a $1.74M investment, which it announced as part of today’s Biden-Harris Maternal Health Call to Action Day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die […]

GivingTuesday 2021: A Movement of Global Generosity

This GivingTuesday, consider making a tax-deductible donation to the NAFC! You can make a secure, online donation by clicking here. As the world continues to navigate an increasingly tumultuous decade, the concept of generosity – of giving, receiving, and connecting – is evermore important. Each individual holds the ability to use generosity in ways that make a difference in the world, […]

Flu Vaccination: Protecting Communities One Shot at a Time

Cold Season: Staying Healthy, Staying Safe

The cooler months of the year aren’t just the time for holiday festivities. Unfortunately, lower temperatures can also bring on an increased spread in viruses, which means – cold season is here! Fortunately, there is no solid evidence that exposure to cold temperatures will always result in a cold (only viral infection can do that), […]

NAFC: Celebrating 20 Years of Healthcare for the Uninsured

Nearly 20 years ago, an important thought came to a group of dedicated individuals concerned with the healthcare disparity for the millions of Americans across the country without access to lifesaving medical support. This group, so deeply empathetic to the unique needs and hardships of the nation’s medically underserved, provided the foundation for what the National […]

Hurricane Season: How to Stay Safe, Be Prepared and How the NAFC Responds

NAFC 2021 Achievements of Excellence

This month, we’re proud to announce that our organization has earned a 2021 GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator—two of the highest achievement distinctions a charitable organization can receive. Helping more of the nation’s most vulnerable access quality health care We at the National Association of Free and Charitable […]

Maintaining High Healthcare Standards of Excellence

For the millions of Americans actively seeking healthcare in the United States, being able to depend on accessible, high-quality medical care—regardless of age, sex, income, education, immigration status, ethnicity, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, or even insurability—is essential to combating illness and improving quality of life. For the past two decades, the National Association of Free and Charitable […]

Celebrating Service – National Volunteer Week

April 18-24, 2021 is National Volunteer Week. The theme for National Volunteer Week is Celebrate Service – an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When each of us, in […]

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Efforts, Capabilities and Needs

As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the NAFC checked in with our members to gauge the current response efforts, capabilities and needs regarding testing and vaccination efforts amongst Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies in the United States. This brief survey was completed in February 2021 by 530 NAFC Free and Charitable Clinic and […]

NAFC Statement on Capitol Violence

We want to take a moment to address the violence that occurred at our Capitol yesterday. For the NAFC, the Capitol isn’t just a building seen on TV. It is where we work, it is where our friends work. We visit that building and meet with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. […]

Join #GivingTuesday on December 1, 2020

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is […]

California v. Texas, a Supreme Court Case that Challenges the ACA

Today, November 10, 2020, the Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in California v. Texas, a case that challenges the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is very important to note that the ruling on this case will not be immediate, rather, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on California v. Texas by June 2021. […]

A Statement from NAFC Board Chair Stephanie Garris and NAFC President and CEO Nicole Lamoureux

Today we take a moment to reflect on the state of our nation, to recognize the pain being felt across the country from the killing of George Floyd and those before him, to share our support for the Black Community and all people of color, to reject any form of racism, hate, bigotry and violence, […]

Join the NAFC on May 5, 2020 for #GivingTuesdayNow – a Global Day of Unity and Giving

In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. Over the past few weeks and months, the entire world has been coming together to stand up, help out, give back, and heal. Generosity has been helping the entire world get through this global […]

Coronavirus – A Perfect Storm for the Medically Underserved

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has shed a bright light on the shortcomings of the United States health care system. When an epidemic occurs and communities are trying to contain the spread of the disease, it suddenly becomes crystal clear how important having accessible, affordable health care for all people is. There are approximately 28 million uninsured people […]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Resources for General Information, Preparedness and Prevention

Free and Charitable Clinics throughout the U.S. are at the frontlines of community healthcare needs and concerns. As concerns over the Coronavirus increase, the NAFC has compiled resources regarding the disease spread, preparedness and prevention. For information on Coronavirus Disease 2019, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage providing educational resources and […]

A Year in Review at the NAFC – 2019

It has been another busy year for the NAFC! We want to take a moment to thank our members for the important work they do providing accessible health care to the medically underserved in our country. We also want to thank all of our partners, funders, donors and supporters whose dedication to the NAFC, our members […]

December 3rd is Giving Tuesday – Give the Gift of Health!

There are the days focused on shopping and getting those deals – Black Friday and Cyber Monday – and then there is Giving Tuesday, a day to give back and help those in need! This Giving Tuesday – December 3rd – help the NAFC kick off our end of year giving campaign and give the […]

Record Breaking Symposium a Huge Success

The NAFC 2019 Charitable Health Care Symposium was held on October 27-29 in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia at the Loews Atlanta. The Symposium is an annual conference specifically designed to address the issues and topics that safety-net clinics, charitable pharmacies, organizations, staff and volunteers face on a daily basis to address the needs of the nation’s medically underserved. This year […]

Tropical Depression Imelda

Texas communities are once again dealing with severe flooding due to Tropical Depression Imelda’s heavy rains. As news comes in, the NAFC has been reaching out to our Texas members, as well as those in Louisiana and Arkansas as the storm continues. We heard from one member yesterday, Ubi Caritas Health Ministries in Beaumont, TX, who gives […]

Stories from the Frontlines of Free Clinics: Arlington Free Clinic

This week, we’d like to highlight stories out of Arlington Free Clinic. The clinic’s patients often face various and complex barriers to healthcare, and the clinic is deeply committed to addressing social determinants of health and systemic issues that prevent quality health care. Arlington is a recipient of the NAFC – CVS Health Foundation’s Coordinated Care grant to […]

Culturally Competent Care of Muslim Patients

Ramadan began this past Sunday, May 5, which means our Muslim patients and providers will be fasting from sunrise to sunset for the next month. Islam is currently the 3rd most common religion in the United States, with 3-4 million members, and the NAFC serves 20 Muslim clinics. Ahead of Ramadan, Dr. Yosef Khan, National […]

Diane’s Story

“It started with a pingpong ball of a cyst in my left breast. I had no insurance. I was afraid of doctors. I was hoping and wishing it would just go away.” When Diane first found out about Family Health Partnership Clinic from one of its volunteer doctors, it had been over 10 years since […]

How Do the Homeless Access Healthcare?

Last week, Kaiser Health reported on the difficulty of finding California’s homeless a place to heal and the difficulty of discharging after a new state law requires hospitals to try to find a safe bed with transportation for homeless patients. The article reports that one woman had to sleep in her car the night she was discharged for […]

NAFC Response to Affordable Care Act Announcements

Today was another busy day in Washington regarding healthcare. Late last night, the Department of Justice announced that it would side with a Texas district court’s 2018 ruling that found the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, meaning it backs overturning the whole law. There are major concerns with this position, including the removal of protections for […]

NAFC Submits High Drug Pricing Testimony to Senate

Yesterday, the CDC released a data briefing with statistics about strategies used by adults to reduce prescription drug costs. The report found that the strategies were most commonly practiced among the uninsured compared with those with private insurance or Medicaid, as 39.5% asked their doctor for a lower-cost medication, 33.6% did not take their medication as prescribed, and […]

NAFC Board Meets to Discuss Vision for 2019

Last week, our 13-member Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Dr. Bobby Kapur, met on Tuesday to discuss the future of the NAFC and how we can best serve our members and our patients throughout the country. The Board’s discussion centered around NAFC’s 2019 public policy objectives for advocacy work to advance the mission […]

A Year in Review – A Look Back at the NAFC 2018 Accomplishments

2018 has been another busy year for the NAFC and our members! As 2018 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to provide an overview of the work we have accomplished throughout the year. CONNECTING PATIENTS AND VOLUNTEERS TO THEIR LOCAL CLINIC NAFC staff continues to make sure that people who need access to […]

A Year Later – Spotlight on Hurricane Harvey Relief Grantee – Ubi Caritas

A year ago, Hurricane Harvey swept through the Houston area and devastated communities. The NAFC and Direct Relief teamed up to provide relief grants to Charitable Clinics that were in affected communities to support continued recovery efforts, to recoup expenses and/or reinforce emergency preparedness efforts related to the hurricanes which allows for the continuity of crucial life-saving care […]

A Look Back at 2017

The NAFC wishes you a Happy New Year! As we are look forward to what’s to come in 2018, and toward working to build a healthy America, one person at a time, we first wanted to take a look back at 2017! 2017 was a very busy and eventful year for the country, for our […]

NAFC Member Spotlight – Meet the San Francisco Free Clinic

The San Francisco Free Clinic (SFFC) is a non-profit founded in 1993 by two family physicians. The clinic’s formal mission is two-fold: to provide free medical care for people with no health insurance, and to help train future generations of primary care providers. The clinic places equal focus on these two missions. Despite the progress […]

NAFC Member Spotlight – Meet the Anderson Free Clinic

Located in Anderson, South Carolina, the Anderson Free Clinic strives to fulfill their mission to serve the health needs of the underserved citizens of Anderson County through community engagement and partnerships with those who care. To accomplish this mission, the Free Clinic provides dental and medical care and assistance in obtaining medication to the uninsured […]

NAFC Board Spotlight: Meet Stephanie Garris

Stephanie Garris is a member of the NAFC Board and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Medical Home in Orlando, FL. Stephanie has a lengthy career in civic activism and community service. Prior to working at Grace, she served as Executive Director for the American Cancer Society in Central Florida and held several […]

A look back at the NAFC’s 2016

It has been a busy year for the NAFC’s 3-person staff! We wanted to provide a high level overview of some of the accomplishments of the organization from the past year. A huge thank you to our Board of Directors, members, partners, sponsors, volunteers and donors for helping staff continue our mission to ensure that […]

Speaker Ryan and Senator Capito Recognize the NAFC’s 15th Anniversary

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is honored and grateful to have its 15th Anniversary recognized by Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia in conjunction with its 2016 Charitable Health Care Symposium. On Friday, September 8, 2016, Senator Capito made a statement to the Senate congratulating the […]

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Latest News

Healthcare Reimagined? Trump’s Second-Term Policies and the Impact on Access and Equity

How Texas’ New Citizenship Checks at Hospitals Endanger Public Health

Direct Relief Commits $1 Million to Free and Charitable Clinics Serving Patients Throughout the U.S.

Amidst Medicaid Unwinding, 80% of Free Clinics are Experiencing an Increase in Demand

Teva to Provide Second Round of Funding to Clinics in California, Florida and New Jersey as Part of $2 Million Commitment Through Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care Program

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Acquires the Charitable Pharmacies of America

NAFC Receives $1.28M 2-Year Grant for Free & Charitable Clinics from McKesson Foundation

NAFC Responds to Devastating Cuts in the House FY2024 Appropriations Bill

U.S. Mental Health Access Program Expands Medicine Donation to Seven New States

Free and Charitable Clinics Served 5.8 million People in 2022

NAFC Presents Seventh and Final RWJF Award for Health Equity to the late Nancy Lascheid

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors

Clinics Across Florida, New Jersey & California Advancing Mental Health in Underserved Communities – Awarded Funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals, Direct Relief and NAFC

The Owens & Minor Foundation Announces Donation to National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics

Hurricane Ian: Receiving Assistance from the NAFC

BD, Heart to Heart International, NAFC and Henry Schein Cares Award Critical Lab Equipment to Six U.S. Free and Charitable Clinics

Nicole Lamoureux Discusses Providing Communities with Free Healthcare

Sixth Annual RWJF Award for Health Equity Presented by the NAFC Awarded to Ilana Steinhauer

Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and Teva Pharmaceuticals Partner to Advance Access to Behavioral Health Services

Direct Relief, BD, NAFC Announce Free and Charitable Clinic Grant Winners

Eko and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Partner to Improve Cardiovascular Care in Medically Underserved Communities

Medication Can Be An Expensive Barrier to Care. At Charitable Pharmacies, It’s Free.

NPT Power & Influence Top 50 (2021) – Featuring NAFC President and CEO Nicole Lamoureux

Free Georgia health clinic for uninsured receives $2.5 million to relocate, expand

Free and Charitable Clinics Receive Grant for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Volunteers In Medicine America Moves its Program to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

Vistaprint Donates 240,000 Face Masks and Filters to NAFC to Reach Underserved Communities

Biogen and Eisai launch multiple initiatives to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease access ADUHELM™

Free and Charitable Health Clinics Put the ‘Net’ in Safety Net

Fauquier Free Clinic continues to see patients – Some operational changes in effect

Good News Clinics striving to maintain service, but call before you come

Protective Gear Bound for Approximately 1,000 U.S. Health Centers and Clinics Fighting Covid-19

GoodRx Launches GoodRx Helps, a $40+ Million Charitable Initiative to Help Improve Healthcare for Americans Who Need It Most

Fifth Annual RWJF Award for Health Equity Presented by the NAFC Awarded to Dr. Maurice Lee

CVS Health increases access to flu vaccines in communities of need

CVS Health and CVS Health Foundation announce nearly $1.25 million to increase access to health care and address food insecurity in Ohio

Faith groups are vital to the social safety net. But volunteers they rely on are aging and their denominations are shrinking.

Henry Schein Cares Foundation Launches the ‘Wearing Is Caring’ Campaign Supported by The UPS Foundation

Free clinics see more patients and less funding since start of pandemic

Community Clinics Face COVID-19 Crisis

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics’ Lamoureux on Uptick in Health Needs

New Data Shows Surge in Demand for Free Healthcare Services Amid COVID-19

The 2020 NPT Power & Influence Top 50 – Nonprofit Leaders Answer The Call Amid Pandemic, Social Unrest

More than Five Million American Workers Have Lost Health Insurance. Here’s What That Means.

Coronavirus Victims Include Health Clinics in Minority Communities

Expanding COVID-19 testing for those who need it most

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Launches Membership Quality Standards Program

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Joins Global Day of Giving and Unity #GivingTuesdayNow to Support Clinics on the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Partners with Updox for Virtual Care During COVID-19

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces Grantees from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Response Fund

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Announces Grant Funding Through Partner Direct Relief to Support Clinics on the Frontlines During COVID-19 Pandemic

Mobile Messaging Technology Helps Safety Net Providers with Emergency COVID-19 Patient & Staff Communication

Free clinics deal with volunteer shortage, canceled fundraisers as economic hardship looms

Protective Gear Bound for Approximately 1,000 U.S. Health Centers and Clinics Fighting Covid-19

Free clinic’s drive-up service among local virus controls

5 million Texans lack health insurance. Here’s how that complicates the coronavirus response.

Free & Charitable Clinics Awarded $125,000 to Advance Diabetes Care Among Vulnerable Populations

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Welcomes New Members and Officers to the Board of Directors

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Recognizes CVS Health’s Eileen Howard Boone as the NAFC 2019 Safety Net Health Care Champion Awardee

New WV Health Right program offers ongoing support for mothers with addiction

Depression hits home hard, but resources remain few

Free health clinic in Walworth Co. nears seven year anniversary

‘If we’re not here, the people die’: In the forgotten region of Appalachia, health care comes from a wagon – Nurses fill a medical care gap in rural areas

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