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About UsAmeriCares Free Clinics was established in 1994 to serve the medical needs of the working poor. Our mission is to provide free quality health care to low-income, uninsured residents of southwestern Connecticut, while protecting each patient’s dignity and self-respect. We provide services at three clinic locations: Bridgeport, Norwalk and Danbury. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, separate from but affiliated with AmeriCares Foundation. Since the clinics were opened, we have delivered quality health care valued at more than $20 million to more than 16,000 patients. Volunteers Give … and Receive More than 550 clinic and local community volunteers form the AmeriCares Free Clinics health care team, led by a full-time Nurse Director at each clinic. Doctors, nurses, interpreters and screeners greet patients and provide quality outpatient health care. Community-based specialists volunteer to see patients in their offices at no charge. Partners Make it Happen Rent-free clinic space is just the beginning of each communities’ generosity. Quest Diagnostics, Norwalk Hospital, Danbury Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital and New Milford Hospital donate a wide range of laboratory and diagnostic testing and clinical services, making available the tools needed to deliver quality health care. Essential prescription medications are provided to our patients at no charge. Our Patients Are the Best Reward Our patients represent a diverse population of ethnicity, income and education. The common thread is their lack of health insurance and their inability to access affordable health care. While 60% are unemployed, most hold jobs that offer only $5 - $10 per hour; all make less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Our patients express their appreciation through warm smiles, many thanks and a willingness to follow treatment recommendations to achieve good health. Our Logo Our logo has great significance to us and tells our story in a very simple way. This triad symbolizes who we are and how we do what we do. First, and foremost … our patients. We serve the low income uninsured residents of our area who are falling through the cracks of the traditional health care system. They come in all shapes and sizes, ethnicities and races. Most work and are genuinely concerned about their health and forging partnerships that will keep them healthy and able to care for themselves and their families. The real heroes of our program are the volunteers who, with their years of experience and training, give selflessly countless hours to our patients with concern and compassion, and of course hugs -- that magic ingredient that typifies free clinic care. Finally, the community. We could not open our doors without our community partners. They donate diagnostic and specialty services, rent free space and provide financial support. Realizing the mutually beneficial partnership a free clinic provides to local hospitals, they along with others support our efforts. Our logo in essence symbolizes our diversity, our partnerships and the “heart” with which we approach our work. |
