Executive Summary
AmeriCares Free Clinics is a community program of AmeriCares. Our mission is to provide quality health care to Connecticut’s low-income uninsured residents while protecting each patient’s sense of dignity and self-respect. With more than 325,000 state residents living without health insurance, the need is great for our services.
Our clinics are staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, interpreters and screeners, and draw on the resources of community hospitals, laboratories, specialists and pharmacies to ensure access to a comprehensive health care delivery system. These partnerships allow the clinic to provide services to patients who cannot afford needed medical care because they lack health insurance.
Health care services valued at more than $18.8 million have been delivered to date through the AmeriCares Free Clinics network.
AmeriCares Free Clinic of Norwalk
AmeriCares opened its first free clinic in Norwalk on November 1, 1994. The Norwalk clinic has provided more than $6.6 million worth of medical services to more than 7,200 patients who have made more than 26,500 visits. In addition to walk-in adult and pediatric clinic sessions, the Norwalk clinic offers continuity care sessions for patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma. A full range of laboratory services is provided by Quest Diagnostics, with Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk Radiology Consultants and Norwalk Pathology Associates providing specific radiology and diagnostic testing.
Boehringer Ingelheim AmeriCares Free Clinic of Danbury
Since it opened its doors on January 15, 1997, the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Danbury has been operating at full capacity. More than 5,700 patients have made more than 23,500 visits. A continuity care clinic was established in June 1997 and a specialty clinic for endocrinology was added in November 1998. Through strong relationships with Danbury Hospital, Danbury Radiology Associates, Danbury Office of Physician Services and community-based specialists, a full range of laboratory, diagnostic and consultative services are available at no cost to the patient.
The Weisman Clinic, AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport
AmeriCares Free Clinics began serving the Bridgeport community in July 2003, treating patients in the mobile medical unit. In September 2007, the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport moved into a new, state-of-the art facility in the city’s Wheeler Community Center. Also known as the Weisman Clinic, in honor of long-time supporter Fred Weisman, the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport fills a critical need in Connecticut’s largest city. Through collaborative partnerships with Bridgeport Hospital, Saint Vincent’s Medical Center and Quest Diagnostics, the clinic has delivered services valued at more than $2.7 million to more than 1,200 patients.
Each of the AmeriCares Free Clinics has established relationships with local pharmacies and also utilizes Patient Assistance Programs to ensure our patients get essential prescription medications at little or no charge.
Summary
The delivery of high-quality health care is our primary goal. By responding to the need for services for the uninsured, AmeriCares Free Clinics does not compete with the private sector but rather complements existing community resources. AmeriCares Free Clinics is a source of pride and enrichment to the more than 400 individual volunteers who donate their services, as well as to the communities they serve.
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