Americares Free Clinics Celebrates 30 Years of Providing Health Care to Fairfield County’s Uninsured
Plans to Open New Norwalk Clinic Announced at Event
Stamford, Conn. – Nov. 15, 2024 – Americares Free Clinics celebrated 30 years of delivering free, high-quality health care to Fairfield County’s uninsured with an anniversary event yesterday at Stone Hill in Norwalk.
During the celebration, Americares President and CEO Christine Squires announced an exciting new chapter for the state’s largest free clinic program, unveiling plans to move its Norwalk clinic to a larger, more modern facility next year. At nearly 3,000-square feet, the new clinic at 10 Mott Ave. will be more than twice the size of the previous location in South Norwalk.
“It was incredible to celebrate this important milestone—and all of the lives we have made healthier over the past 30 years—surrounded by longtime friends and supporters,” Squires said. “Norwalk was where our program began back in 1994. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to the Norwalk community and look forward to welcoming patients in the new clinic early next year.”
Nearly 150 clinic staff, volunteers and longtime supporters gathered for the event hosted by Americares New York Metro Area Leadership Council Members Alexa and Ward Horton.
Norwalk Hospital, part of the Nuvance Health hospital system, was honored at the event for its three decades of partnership. The hospital has provided medical services valued at $9 million for Norwalk clinic patients for the past 30 years.
“The decades-long relationship between Norwalk Hospital/Nuvance Health and Americares has benefited the people we collectively serve in immeasurable ways. The impact of our shared missions has exceeded our expectations and enriched how we care for our patients and community in ways we never imagined,” said Norwalk Hospital President Peter Cordeau. “Our work together has been deeply satisfying and we look forward to continuing our collaboration for many more decades to come.”
Americares Free Clinics Executive Director Karen Gottlieb, who has been at the helm of the program since its inception, was also recognized at the event for her 30 years of service.
“I am deeply honored for this recognition. But I did not build this program alone. I am fortunate to have the most committed staff, volunteers, donors and community partners—many of whom have worked alongside me for decades,” said Gottlieb. “Looking ahead, we’re more determined than ever to continue providing compassionate, dignified care. Together, we are creating a healthier, stronger future for Fairfield County.”
Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, Bridgeport Hospital, Danbury Hospital, Odyssey Group Foundation, Quest Diagnostics and Stamford Hospital were recognized for their longtime support of the free clinics. Americares Free Clinics Board Member Carol Bauer, who was chair of Norwalk Hospital Board of Directors in 1994 and played an integral role in the launch of the program, was also recognized along with longtime supporter Joan Weisman of Stamford.
Americares Free Clinics provide free, quality health care to nearly 2,000 low-income, uninsured Fairfield County residents annually. Over the past 30 years, the clinics in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford have helped over 28,000 residents receive primary care, medication, health education, diagnostic testing, specialty care and community referrals at no cost.
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