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Providing care for uninsured families...Building healthy communities.

Providing care for uninsure
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Statistics for 2010

Patient visits 14,030

Courses of Medications dispersed 31,706

Statistics for November 2011

Patient visits 1,155

Medications 2,742

Contact

Valerie Nisk Annex

New Patient Application

705 North Ft. Harrison Avenue

Clearwater, FL 33756

Clearwater Free Clinic

707 North Ft. Harrison Avenue

Clearwater, FL 33755

Clinic and Patient Information: (727) 447-3041

Administration: (727) 331-8145

Fax Number: (727) 442-0320

Limited parking is available off of Seminole Street, directly behind the CFC. Parking is also available at 705 N. Ft.Harrison, which is our Development Office. Please check signage before parking.

TOURS & VOLUNTEER

Physicians and ARNPs can contact 727-331-8141

All other volunteers:

Diane Morse

(727) 331-8145

info_clearwaterfreeclinic.org

PATIENT SERVICES & GENERAL INQUIRIES

(727) 447-3041

EVENTS & DONATIONS

(727) 331-8149

jshapiro_cleawaterfreeclinic.org

PLEASE NOTE: Contact form is to join our mailing list only. Please provide phone number and mailing address. All other inquiries, please see phone numbers to the left.

PLEASE NOTE:

Contact form is for mailing list only.

Emails about patient services will not

be answered. Please call us directly

at 727-447-3041

Mission and Goals

MISSION

The Mission of the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) is to deliver comprehensive medical care to uninsured families through volunteerism and community partnerships. . . . .building healthy communities.

Primary Goals for 2011 are:1. Enhance Patient Services2. Maintain a strong Volunteer Network 3. Maximize Financial Resources.4. Strengthen Administrative Operations5. Promote the Visibility of the Organization6. Seek additional Community Partnerships
Our Services Primary and Specialty Care Office VistsEKGs, labs, and x-raysHospital procedures (as warranted)Womens CarePap smears and mammogramsDiabetic ProgramCare and nutrition, education and suppliesMedication Service (no narcotics)Acute and chronic medicationsPAP EnrollmentOphthalmologyDiagnostic examsDiabetic eye examsRefraction and glassesNutritional CounselingOne-on-one counseling and group classesPediatricsSick visitsBack to school physicalsPhysical TherapyEar, Nose and Throat ProgramPatient Education ProgramCoumadin Clinic

SERVICES

Patients have access to a full range of medical services that are provided on-site within our primary care setting. Other services, including diagnostic procedures, are provided by community partners. Comprehensive care includes...

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Our Patients
Clearwater Free Clinic patients are people you see and interact with every dayyou pass them on the streets, in the stores and sit next to them in worship. The vast majority of them have jobs that do not provide access to health care. They are the employees of small businesses, like store clerks and restaurant workers. Others are self-employed and have businesses like lawn maintenance or are housekeepers or child care providers. They work hard and try to provide for themselves and their families however the high cost of health insurance makes it unobtainable for them. More recently, the newly unemployed have come to the Clearwater Free Clinic , losing their health insurance with their job. The majority of those seeking services at the CFC have one or more chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease that require a wide range of services that includes medical treatment, medications and on-going care management. People who never thought they would need the services of a free clinic are now finding their way to good health through the Clearwater Free Clinic.

OUR PATIENTS

Privacy

Privacy Policy

Clearwater Free Clinic is strongly committed to protecting the privacy of those who use this website. This site compiles conventional log files to monitor and assess activity, including traffic and visits to the site. This activity does not specifically identify any individual user.We do not use or disclose information about your individual visits to this website, nor do we provide the information you give us on this site to outside companies. The information that we collect is used to improve and enhance the content and services of the Clearwater Free Clinic website.
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Board

Board Members

Members are chosen for their interest in the Clinics mission and their respect within the community. They have professional, community or fundraising experience to assist the Board in more effectively carrying out its responsibilities.
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Members at LargeStephen F. BoutonLinda R. ChamberlainDotti FischerBrian GundersonMelanie LeimerJohn H. Meek, Jr.Susan L. MurbachMatt NovakCraig PhillipsPaul K. Steele, M.D. FACPConnie Stafford
2011 Board of Directors David E. Ridenour, PresidentBruce Livingston, President ElectRowland Milam, TreasurerCyndi Cantonis Heller, Secretary
Volunteers

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are our greatest resource!CFC has more than 250 volunteers who support all aspects of our organization. The majority have worked with us for more than 5 years; many have been with CFC since its inception. The Clinic is a great and fun place to volunteer.Volunteers range in age from 16 to 92, and are working professionals, homemakers and retired individuals.Clinical positions include Doctors, ARNPs, Nurses, Pharmacists, Phyical Therapists, Clerks and others.To match volunteers skills and interests with Clinic jobs, potential volunteers must go through a process of application, interview and one on one training.Individual volunteer commitments vary, but most provide 4 hours per month of service. All volunteers must adhere to CFCs confidentiality and policies.

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If you would like join the CFC team, please contact Diane Morse

(727) 331-8145 or dmorse_clearwaterfreeclinic.org

Clearwater_Free_Clinic_Volunteer_App.pdf

CLICK HERE for Volunteer Application

Staff

STAFF

Mary LoveraClinical DirectorJan HumphreysARNPDebbie LandonClinical AssistantJulie LopesMedical AssistantDiane MorseClinic AdministratorJeannie ShapiroExecutive Director LuAnne Nelson New Patient Coordinator
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Support

SUPPORT

Clearwater Free Clinic is the largest free medical clinic in Pinellas County that provides comprehensive medical care, including diagnostic testing and medications, to the countys low-income, uninsured residents.Todays economy makes our mission more important than ever, with the record number of people losing their jobs and their health insurance. Patients receiving care at the Clearwater Free Clinic are able to maintain their health through our services.The Clearwater Free Clinic is able to reduce the number of uninsured emergency room visits and hospitalizations by treating non-emergent health care problems and managing chronic illnesses.In 2010, an average of 125 new patients per month were accepted into the CFC. Untreated health conditions are a serious problem not only for the uninsured, but also for the entire Clearwater community. Individuals receiving medical care are healthier and more productive citizens. The Clearwater Free Clinic provides the medical care that helps to ensure the health and well-being of our communities. CFC relies almost entirely on private donations to fund our operating budget. The CFC receives no county, state, federal or United Way funding. It is only through the generosity of community residents, businesses, churches, civic associations and foundations that we are able to fund the care we provide.

Donate

Funded

FUNDING

The Clearwater Free Clinic is a a 501(c)3 tax exempt, non-profit organization and receives no regular support from the government or United Way. Private donations from individuals, businesses, religious and civic organizations, bequests, foundations, trusts, grants and fundraising activities are the Clinic's only means of support.

Along with public financial support and volunteers, the Clinic depends heavily on donated services. Local hospitals and radiology groups donate lab work, x-rays, and other diagnostic procedures. The Clinic's on-site medication room utilizes donated sample medications, but must also supplement the stock with purchases from wholesale drug companies.

The value of donated services for professional volunteer hours, lab work, and x-rays totalled over $3,300,000 in 2010 not including donated medication or the hundreds of hours donated by our non-licensed volunteers. This collaborated effort is what allows the Clinic to provide nearly 14,000 patient visits and distribute over 31,000 courses of medication each year to our community's uninsured residents on a limited operating budget.

The Clearwater Free Clinic operates solely on donations from private individuals, businesses, civic and religious organizations, foundations, grants and fundraising. We receive no regular government funding --none of your tax dollars-- nor any United Way funds.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and donations of goods & services, we are able to provide over $5 in medical care for every $1 donated.

Your donation will help us provide much-needed care to the medically needy of our community individuals with limited incomes who do not qualify for government assistance, but who cannot afford private insurance.

CLICK HERE to learn about Ways To Give!

Donate

Priorities

CLINIC PRIORITIES

Donate

Ways to Give

WAYS TO GIVE Annual Fund Drive The Clearwater Free Clinic is holding its first ever Annual Fund Drive! We are reaching out to the Community so that we can continue to offer our comprehensive medical services to the uninsured families of mid and upper Pinellas County.

Donate by Mail or Phone: You can send your donation to Clearwater Free Clinic, Development Office, Valerie Nisk Annex, 705 N. Ft. Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755 or call (727) 331-8149.In Lieu of Flowers: When a loved one has died, you may chose to have family and friends make a donation to CFC rather than sending flowers. CFC will send a personal thank you to each donor and send the family a list of donors.In Honor of: Make a donation to commemorate a holiday, birthday, wedding, or other special occasion. Your honoree will receive a special letter from CFC notifying him or her of your gift.Support our Fundraising Events: You can support CFCs annual fundraisers, Martinis and Matisse held in January, our Annual Charity Golf Tournament held in May. You can sponsor, attend or donate silent auction items. Please contact Kathryn Schene at 727-331-8149 for more information.Gifts of Securities: A gift of securities can provide significant benefits to you as well as CFC. If you are interested in donating securities, please call Kathryn Schene at (727) 331-8149 for instructions.Planned Gifts: Planned giving integrates a donors charitable gift with his or her overall financial, tax, and estate planning goals to maximize benefits to both the donor and AFC. The Clearwater Free Clinic gratefully accepts gifts of appreciated securities, bequests, retirement plans, or life insurance policies. Please contact Kathryn Schene at (727) 331-8149, for more information.Matching Gifts: Many companies offer matching gift programs and match contributions dollar for dollar or better. Please check with your employer about its matching program, complete the required forms and send to CFC.Donate Online: You can donate online here by using your Visa or MasterCard.

Donate

Value of Services:

The value of medical and other donated services to Clearwater

Free Clinic in FY10 was $3,300,00.00. The value of medications

donated by pharmaceutical companies was $697,000.

Partners

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CFC Partners

CFC is indebted to the following medical hospitals and diagnostic centers that so generously provided a wide variety of specialty medical services for hundreds of Clinic patients. These medical centers donated hundreds of thousands of dollars of their time and expertise in FY10 to care for Clinic patients.

Morton Plant Hospital

Mease Countryside Hospital

Mease Dunedin Hospital

Donor Bill of Rights No Frame

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

Clearwater Free Clinic donors have the following rights:

1. To be informed of the organizations mission, the way the organization intends to use donated resources and

of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organizations governing Board, and to expect the Board

to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

3. To have access to the organizations most recent financial statements.

4. To be assured that their gifts will be used for the purposes which they were given.

5. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.

6. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

Donate

News

CFC NEWS

CFC_Newsletter.pdf

Click this PDF icon for the latest CFC Newsletter!

Statistics for 2010

Patient visits 14,030

Courses of Medications dispersed 31,706

Statistics for November 2011

Patient visits 1,155

Medications 2,742

New Diabetic Classes!

The Clearwater Free Clinic is offering Diabetic education classes for existing patients who are diabetic or are pre-diabetic. (insulin resistant) The diabetic education consist of 4 classes, lasting 45 minutes, with a 15 minute question and answer period at the end of every class. The classes will deal with:

Understanding the disease

Blood glucose highs and low and associated dangers

Role of exercise

Food choices; spacing and portion size

Hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic agents

Long term effects of uncontrolled blood sugars

These classes are usually groups of 5 to 10 people. After the class has been completed, one on one counseling is available if needed.

Attention all Volunteers!

The Annual Volunteer Luncheon was held on Friday, November 4th, 2011 and pictures of the event will be available shortly. Again, Thank You for all that you do!

First Annual Fund Drive!

For the first time in 34 years the Clearwater Free Clinic is asking you to join us in our first ever Annual Fund Drive! We are honored to have Jim and Carole Free lead our community in this effort as Honorary Chairs for this appeal. The Annual Fund letters are being mailed now and we hope we can count on your support!

Golf

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Golf Tournament Information

Our last tournament was a success!Monday, May 2, 2011Shotgun Start at 1:00pmFeather Sound Country ClubTeams - 4-person scramblePrizes for Top Three Foursomes, Closest to the Pin, and Holes in One on all Par 3's.Honorary Chair: Andrew Economos -- Tampa Bay Bucs Long SnapperHole-In-One Sponsors: Condon Meek Insurance & White Hawk ConsultingStay tuned for 2012 event details!
Martinis

Martinis & Matisse 2012

The incredible fundraiser for the Clearwater Free Clinic will be held on January 21, 2012!

Location: Frank Crum Building

Address: 100 South Missouri Avenue, Clearwater, Florida

2012 Honorary Chairs: Bob and Lesa Boos

Featured Artists: Plein Aire Cottage Artists: Violetta Chandler, Helen Tilston, and Mary Rose Holmes

Hosted by: Frank and Brenda Crum

For Sponsorship Opportunities please call Jeannie Shapiro: 727-331-8150

For more event details, CLICK HERE

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Patient Info

PATIENT INFORMATION

Cleawater Free Clinic does not provide emergency medical care. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to an emergency room.All CFC visits are for current, approved patients.Patient Eligibility is determined at the Valerie Nisk Annex located at 705 North Ft. Harrison (next door to the clinic.) New patient determination hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8:45 to 11:30. Please listen to the recording at 727-447-3041 to hear an updated list of all qualifications.

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Become a Patient

BECOME A PATIENT AT THE VALERIE NISK ANNEX

The Valerie Nisk Annex is located at 705 North Ft. Harrison Avenue (Next door to the Clinic)The Annex is open from 8:45AM to 11:30AM, Monday through Thursday only.What to Bring...There are 4 required documents:1. Proof of Citizenship: Bring one of the followingA US Birth Certificate ORVoters ID ORUS Naturalization Certificate (NO GREEN CARDS) ORUS Passport 2. Proof of Current Address: Example -- a rent receipt or utility bill3. Florida Drivers License or State ID Card4. Social Security Card

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

If you have not yet read How The Clinic Works, please do so before you visit the VALERIE NISK ANNEX to become a patient of the Clearwater Free Clinic.

To be eligible, you must:

Be a resident of mid or upper Pinellas County (and be able to provide documentation of your address)

Be a US citizen

Have no insurance, including Medicare/Medicaid

Meet low-income guidelines

DONATIONS

Although there are no set charges for services rendered at the Clearwater Free Clinic, the operation of this medical facility is dependent on your donations. Donations made at the Valerie Nisk Annex are related to establishing you as a new patient and to defray supply costs. PLEASE BRING CASH OR A CHECK WITH YOU AT THE TIME YOU MAKE APPLICATION TO BECOME A PATIENT AT THE CLEARWATER FREE CLINIC. (We do not accept debit or credit cards.)

Patients should come prepared to make a donation for each medical visit as well. Your visit to the doctor is free, HOWEVER, your donations are needed to support the purchase of costly medications, medical supplies, office supplies and to keep our doors open and the lights on! This will help insure that the Clearwater Free Clinic is here for your future needs.

Patient Respon

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES Please read carefully the following Clearwater Free Clinic Patient Responsibilities. This is very important. If you do not follow these guidelines, you may be dismissed from the Clinic. There is no set fee for Clinic services, however your donations are vital to the continuation of our services. Please make Clinic donations a priority in your budget! Also: the clinic does not accept debit or credit cards. We are happy to receive cash or checks.

Follow Doctors' Instructions:

Take all medications prescribed for you on schedule. We will make every effort to provide you with your medications. Not taking your medications or not following your medical plan may result in dismissal from the Clinic.

Get medication refills before you run out. Due to limited Clinic hours, please come in one week before you run out of medication. (Make sure you have refilled your medication (Monday Thursday when we have a Pharmacist on staff WE ARE CLOSED ON FRIDAY.)

Keep all scheduled referral appointments (for specialists, tests, X-rays, procedures, etc.). These appointments cannot be rescheduled if you miss them. (Specialty referrals are ONLY arranged by the clinic. Tests and appointments are time sensitive. Failure to meet appointments that have been set specifically for you, may result in you receiving and paying for this time.)

Be On Time -- Please come 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that we can process the necessary paperwork. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late you may lose your appointment time.

Be Patient -- There are times when the Clinic may be short on volunteers or the doctors may run behind schedule. Please arrange your schedule accordingly. This applies to both appointments and pharmacy refills. Be prepared to wait----your visit and check out time may take up to 2 hours.

Be Courteous -- The physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and clerks are not paid staff. They volunteer their time to help you. Absolutely NO VERBAL ABUSE. Verbal abuse will not be tolerated and you will be immediately dismissed as a Clinic patient.

Keep Scheduled Appointments -- or call to cancel. Any cancellation less than 2 hours before your appointment time will be considered a NO SHOW. Three NO SHOWS may result in dismissal as a Clinic patient.

Supply Necessary Documentation -- We may ask for verification of your income, residence, or U.S. citizenship at any time while you are a Clinic patient. Please provide the requested information in a timely manner.

Clinic Respons

CLINIC RESPONSIBILITIES

We will make every effort to provide you with the service and the medications you require. If the service is not available:We will try to provide you with other alternatives. If the Clinic directors and practitioners determine that your health issues are beyond the scope of what the Clinic can safely provide, we will recommend another clinic that best suits your needs.In the event that we do not have your medication:we will give you a prescription to take to a local pharmacy which you will fill at your expense. Only the clinic can make referral appointments for you for specialist visits, tests, procedures, etc. Clinic staff may refuse care to those who do not complywith these guidelines or who are disruptive to our operations.After you have read these guidelines, you are ready to begin reading our Patient Information tab.
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Clinic Rx Hours

CLINIC & MEDICATION ROOM

All medical visits are by appointment only. We book appointments for each day on the day you come to the clinic, or call to set an appointment.

If a Physician has requested you return in a specified period, that can be booked in advance. Otherwise, you should come by (or call) the day you want to be seen.

We process all patients waiting outside the clinic (at 8:45 am), before we answer the phone.

There are no emergency services.

Medication room services are for current patients ONLY. We are NOT a community pharmacy.

Medications can be picked up at the following times: Monday through Thursday 8:45 to 11:30, and 1:15 to 5:30.

Clinic Hours are Monday through Thursday:

8:45 until 11:30 and 1:15 until 5:30.

FAQ

Am I eligible for Clinic services?If you are under the age of 65, a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of upper Pinellas County, do not have medical insurance or government assistance (Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, County Social Service card), and meet the Clinic's financial guidelines, AND, you have been approved as a patient at the Valerie Nisk Annex, you are eligible for Clinic services.How do I become a patient at the Clearwater Free Clinic?Please click the Become a Patient tab on this website, and report to the Valerie Nisk Annex at 705 N. Ft. Harrison to apply to become a patient.Does the Clinic provide emergency services?NO. If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any other medical emergency, call 9-1-1.What services are available at the Clinic?The Clinic offers a wide range of care for most medical problems, beginning with an office visit with our nurse practitioner or one of our volunteer physicians. Medications, lab work, tests, X-rays, procedures, nutritional counseling, and referrals to specialists are available to qualified Clinic patients as determined by Clinic practitioners.How do I make an appointment?First, you must be an established patient of the Clearwater Free Clinic. Click here for details. You can usually make an appointment on the day you wish to be seen by visiting the Clinic in person. If you choose to call 727-447-3041, and if there are still appointments available at the time that we answer the phone, we are happy to make an appointment for you for that day.Where is the Clinic located?Our address is 707 N. Ft. Harrison Ave. in downtown Clearwater, just north of Drew Street. See our Contact page for our location.How much will my visit cost?There is no set fee for Clinic services, however we ask that all patients make a cash or check donation to help cover our operating expenses, new patient charts, labs or tests that are provided.Can I bring my child to the Clinic?Yes! Clinic services are available to eligible infants and children. Pediatrics day is Wednesday.Can my child receive immunizations at the Clinic?No. The Pinellas County Health Department offers free childhood immunizations, as well as adult and foreign travel immunizations. More information is available on the Health Department web site.Can I see a specialist at the Clinic?Referrals to specialists may be available to qualified Clinic patients. On your first visit you will see a Primary Care Physician or an ARNP (Registered Nurse Practitioner). They will refer you to a specialist if your condition warrants and if a volunteer specialist is available.Are medical tests and lab work available at the Clinic?If the Clinician decides labs are needed or tests are warranted, we will try to provide them.
Can the Clinic perform a test or procedure that my family doctor has ordered?No, the Clinic does not perform tests or procedures ordered by outside physicians. You must be a Clinic patient to receive these services, and they must be ordered by a Clinic practitioner.Can I get a prescription from my family doctor filled at the Clinic?No, the Clinic is not a community pharmacy and cannot fill outside prescriptions.Is medication available at the Clinic?Yes. Most standard medications are available through the Clinic medication room for Clinic patients. If we do not have the medication, we will provide a script to you to fill at your expense. In addition, we have Patient Assistance Program applications for medications that are offered by pharmaceutical drug companies. You complete the application and we process the paperwork for you. In turn we ask you for a $5.00 processing fee for a 3 month supply of medication. Financial documentation is required by these companies. (We will not write prescriptions for you to process the paperwork.)Narcotics are not available, and prescriptions for narcotics will not be written.Can I get a physical at the Clinic?Physicals are limited to children, during our Pediatrics Clinic on Wednesday mornings.I have diabetes or another pre-existing condition. Can I become a Clinic patient?Yes! Although the clinic does not treat all medical problems, pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you from becoming a Clinic patient. The Clinic staff can help you manage your chronic conditions to prevent serious complications.Does the Clinic offer pregnancy services?No, the Clinic does not offer pregnancy testing, birth control, or obstetrics.Does the Clinic offer other women's services?The Clinic offers some women's services, including pap tests and mammograms, as determined by Clinic practitioners. We do not provide birth control, pregnancy testing, STD testing or treat vaginal infections. These referrals for womens services are for established clinic patients. We do not make new patient appointments for GYN.When is the Clinic open?Our regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:45 AM until 6:00 PM or later depending on Physician availability. The Clinic is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Clinic at (727) 447-3041.
Financials

FINANCIALS

Financial data will be available shortly. Check back soon!
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About and History

ABOUT THE CLEARWATER FREE CLINIC

Since 1977, the Clearwater Free Clinic has provided problem oriented health care to low-income uninsured residents of upper Pinellas County by means of office visits, medications, lab work, x-rays, and specialty referrals. The Clinic, a volunteer driven non-profit, non-government medical facility, provides primary health care at no cost to those who do not qualify for government assistance and who cannot afford private medical care.The majority of the patients at the Clinic are hard working people with limited incomes or low paying jobs. Their income excludes them from receiving government assistance, yet prohibits them from affording private health care or insurance. Without the aid of the Clearwater Free Clinic, these uninsured residents would turn to emergency rooms for non-emergent care, at a great cost to themselves and the hospitals. More upsetting is thatmany of the uninsured will often ignore significant health problems until a crisis occurs, not wanting to incur debt. This is where the Clearwater Free Clinic is able to help.

HISTORY

Officially established in 1977, the Clearwater Free Clinic was open one night a week and was located in a small rented house on Rogers Street. Early on, local churches and civic organizations helped with financial support and volunteers.In 1985, seeing the need for a larger and more efficient facility, the local Kiwanis Clubs, various civic groups, and the community provided the funds to construct the Clinic's current building. The community rallied again in 1997 to donate monies, goods, and services in conjunction with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, to renovate and expand the Clinic. This grant, and a second one in 1999, were for construction and renovation only, and neither award was used for program or operating expenses. In 2002 The Pinellas Community Foundation provided grant funds for a 400 sq ft addition which included three exam rooms. The Clinic continues to operate without regular government funding, relying on monetary and in-kind donations from private individuals, businesses, religious and community organizations, and charitable foundations.Today the Clinic, a renovated 4,000 square foot facility, is located at 707 N. Ft. Harrison Ave. in downtown Clearwater, Florida and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM and later if necessary. A full-time grant funded Family Practice Nurse Practitioner began working at the Clearwater Free Clinic in January 2000, treating adults and incorporating pediatrics. With this position, the number of available appointments increased significantly.Since its inception, the Clearwater Free Clinic has treated well over a hundred thousand needy patients, offering quality medical care at no cost to the patient.
Donor Circles

DONOR CIRCLES & RECOGNITION LEVELS Caregiver Circle 1 Friend $.01 -- $99.99 2 Supporter $100 -- $249.99 3 Patron $250 -- $499.99 4 Steward $500 -- $999.99 Life Saver Circle 5 Partner $1,000 -- $2,499.99 6 Sponsor $2,500 -- $4,999.99 7 Leaders Circle $5,000 -- $9,999.99 8 Founders Circle $10,000 -- $999,999.99

FAQ3

Frequently Asked Questions

Page 1 When is the Clinic open?Our regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:45 AM until 6:00 PM or later depending on Physician availability. The Clinic is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.Where is the Clinic located?Our address is 707 N. Ft. Harrison Ave. in downtown Clearwater, just north of Drew Street. See our Contact page for our location.How much will my visit cost?There is no set fee for Clinic services, however we ask that all patients make a cash or check donation to help cover our operating expenses, new patient charts, labs or tests that are provided.Can I bring my child to the Clinic?Yes! Clinic services are available to eligible infants and children. Pediatrics day is Wednesday.Can my child receive immunizations at the Clinic?No. The Pinellas County Health Department offers free childhood immunizations, as well as adult and foreign travel immunizations. More information is available on the Health Department web site.Can I see a specialist at the Clinic?Referrals to specialists may be available to qualified Clinic patients. On your first visit you will see a Primary Care Physician or an ARNP (Registered Nurse Practitioner). They will refer you to a specialist if your condition warrants and if a volunteer specialist is available.Are medical tests and lab work available at the Clinic?If the Clinician decides labs are needed or tests are warranted, we will try to provide them.Can I get a physical at the Clinic?Physicals are limited to children, during our Pediatrics Clinic on Wednesday mornings.

Page 2 Am I eligible for Clinic services?If you are under the age of 65, a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of upper Pinellas County, do not have medical insurance or government assistance (Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, County Social Service card), and meet the Clinic's financial guidelines, AND, you have been approved as a patient at the Valerie Nisk Annex, you are eligible for Clinic services.How do I become a patient at the Clearwater Free Clinic?Please click the Become a Patient tab on this website, and report to the Valerie Nisk Annex at 705 N. Ft. Harrison to apply to become a patient.Does the Clinic provide emergency services?NO. If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any other medical emergency, call 9-1-1.What services are available at the Clinic?The Clinic offers a wide range of care for most medical problems, beginning with an office visit with our nurse practitioner or one of our volunteer physicians. Medications, lab work, tests, X-rays, procedures, nutritional counseling, and referrals to specialists are available to qualified Clinic patients as determined by Clinic practitioners.How do I make an appointment?First, you must be an established patient of the Clearwater Free Clinic. Click here for details. You can usually make an appointment on the day you wish to be seen by visiting the Clinic in person. If you choose to call 727-447-3041, and if there are still appointments available at the time that we answer the phone, we are happy to make an appointment for you for that day.

Page 3 Can the Clinic perform a test or procedure that my family doctor has ordered?No, the Clinic does not perform tests or procedures ordered by outside physicians. You must be a Clinic patient to receive these services, and they must be ordered by a Clinic practitioner.Can I get a prescription from my family doctor filled at the Clinic?No, the Clinic is not a community pharmacy and cannot fill outside prescriptions.Is medication available at the Clinic?Yes. Most standard medications are available through the Clinic medication room for Clinic patients. If we do not have the medication, we will provide a script to you to fill at your expense. In addition, we have Patient Assistance Program applications for medications that are offered by pharmaceutical drug companies. You complete the application and we process the paperwork for you. In turn we ask you for a $5.00 processing fee for a 3 month supply of medication. Financial documentation is required by these companies. (We will not write prescriptions for you to process the paperwork.)Narcotics are not available, and prescriptions for narcotics will not be written.I have diabetes or another pre-existing condition. Can I become a Clinic patient?Yes! Although the clinic does not treat all medical problems, pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you from becoming a Clinic patient. The Clinic staff can help you manage your chronic conditions to prevent serious complications.Does the Clinic offer pregnancy services?No, the Clinic does not offer pregnancy testing, birth control, or obstetrics.Does the Clinic offer other women's services?The Clinic offers some women's services, including pap tests and mammograms, as determined by Clinic practitioners. We do not provide birth control, pregnancy testing, STD testing or treat vaginal infections. These referrals for womens services are for established clinic patients. We do not make new patient appointments for GYN.If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Clinic at (727) 447-3041.

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Mission & Goals

About Us & History

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