WHAT IS A FREE OR CHARITABLE CLINIC?
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Free and Charitable Clinics are safety-net health care organizations that utilize a volunteer staff model to provide a range of medical, dental, pharmacy, vision and/or behavioral health services to economically disadvantaged individuals. Such clinics are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, or operate as a program component or affiliate of a 501(c)(3).
WHAT SERVICES ARE USUALLY OFFERED AT A FREE OR CHARITABLE CLINIC?
Health Services provided through Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies: Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical, Behavioral Health, Vision, and Health Education.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF FREE OR CHARITABLE CLINICS ON HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND DELIVERY?
Free & Charitable Clinics remain an important part of the country’s safety net, even after the implementation of the ACA. In 2016, Free & Charitable Clinics in the U.S. have seen 1.8 MILLION unduplicated patients through
6 MILLION patient visits, with the help of 190,000 volunteers, including over 94,000 medical volunteers1
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CARE AT FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC?
Eligibility is restricted to individuals under the age of 64 who are uninsured, under-insured and/or have limited or no access to primary, specialty, or prescription health care. Medicare patients who are unable to afford their prescription medication cost may also qualify.
Patients in need for further care will be connected through clinic referral to other safety net providers and additional resources and services that are available in their area. Clinic staff will ensure completion of the referral process and will follow up with patients for continuity of care.
I WANT TO HELP! WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AT THE FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC?
Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to participate in the clinic in order to make it a success! Medical volunteers needed include doctors of medicine, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, emergency medical technicians, pharmacists, dentists, licensed clinical social workers and more. Non-medical volunteers are needed to help with documentation, logistical support, patient interpreters, patient advocates and more.
1For more information about free and charitable clinics visit the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC)@ www.nafcclinics.org
