The Free Clinic
About Us
The social and health care concerns addressed by The Free Clinic are based on the belief that “Access to health care is a right, not a privilege”.
Mission
The mission of The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland (“The Free Clinic”) is to provide quality health care and related services free of charge to those who lack appropriate alternatives, and to advocate for policy changes that make health care available to all.
The original door of
The Free Clinic.
Guiding Principles
- Health care is the right of every individual.
- The Free Clinic services are initiated and continued in response to prioritized unmet community needs.
- Innovative, quality care at minimum cost to the community depends upon maximum utilization of volunteers at every level of The Free Clinic operation.
- Clients are provided a personal, non-judgmental approach in an informal, non-traditional setting.
- Clients are urged to take appropriate responsibility for their own health and well-being.
- Community advocacy in support of The Free Clinic mission is essential.
- The Free Clinic commits itself to secure sufficient funds to ensure its stable operation until the mission is fulfilled.
The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland is the second oldest free clinic in the United States and the largest in Ohio. Established as a hotline in 1970 by a group of people concerned about the health and welfare of young adults, it quickly shifted to a clinic serving the health needs of the community. Since its founding, The Free Clinic has grown from a small clinic based in a rented house to one occupying a new 34,000 square feet building with 56 employees and over 350 active volunteers. The facility, located in University Circle, is equipped with 18 exam rooms, 5 dental chairs, 3 group therapy rooms, a modern laboratory, and an expanded pharmacy. The Free Clinic also houses a Community Education Center that is used to educate patients about both health and wellness topics.
