The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) hosted its 2024 Charitable Healthcare Symposium from September 29 to October 1 at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Themed “More Than Healthcare,” the event delved into the expansive role of free and charitable clinics and pharmacies in the U.S., emphasizing their contributions beyond traditional medical services.
The Charitable Healthcare Symposium is the only event focused specifically on free and charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies, addressing the challenges and needs unique to them and their patient populations. This year, attendees were encouraged to view their organizations not only as vital healthcare centers, but also thriving businesses, and to acknowledge the central role they play in the wellbeing of their communities. The NAFC is dedicated to championing the work of free and charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies and being a trusted resource for these crucial members of the healthcare safety net.
Key Highlights:
- Diverse Sessions: The symposium featured sessions aimed at enhancing organizational stability, nonprofit efficiency, public policy engagement, and community support. Discussions underscored the comprehensive care provided to underserved populations, ensuring they receive quality treatment with compassion and dignity.
- Notable Speakers: Prominent figures such as Gisela Bretones-Graham, Chief Operating Officer of the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic, and Isi Ikharebha Green, MPH, President of Physicians CareConnection, shared insights on nonprofit management, mental health, and health equity. NAFC partner, CeraVe made it possible for double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs Surgeon and social media influencer, Dr. Wallace Nozile, MD, FAAD, to share his expertise on dermatology and skin of color.
- Collaborative Partnerships: MedShare announced partnerships with 42 new clinic partners during the event, aiming to improve access to healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured. 29 NAFC partners lent their financial support for the symposium with almost $220,000 in sponsorships, seven of which were new to the symposium.
Additionally, Direct Relief committed $1 million to support free and charitable clinics in their health equity initiatives.
“Direct Relief is privileged to support the free and charitable clinics across the U.S. caring for patients with few options, and who can end up in medical crisis without consistent medical services,” said Thomas Tighe, CEO of Direct Relief. “NAFC has been a longstanding partner of Direct Relief, and these funds will serve as a force multiplier to allow them to do even more for the clinics they represent, which translate to more patients reached.”
The symposium provided a platform for medical directors, clinical personnel, management staff, medical students, and volunteers from over 1,400 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies nationwide to network, share ideas, and learn from each other.
2025 Symposium
For those interested in future events, the 2025 Charitable Healthcare Symposium will be held from September 28-30 at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Denver, Colorado.
Thank you!
We thank all our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, the NAFC Board, staff and event team, and especially all our attendees for joining us at the 2024 Symposium. By coming together, we can build towards our shared vision of a just society that ensures a healthy life and well-being for all.
A full album of photos from the event can be found here.
For more information about the NAFC and its initiatives, visit our official website: https://nafcclinics.org/