At the Clearwater Free Clinic, every volunteer who walks through our doors brings unique talents—and leaves with new skills, lifelong friendships, and an abiding passion for community health. Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight four remarkable team members who are graduating or advancing to the next stage of their professional journeys.

The Keep Them Well Campaign exists to secure the resources required to build and operate the Ruth & J.O. Stone Wellness Center, expanding the Clearwater Free Clinic’s mission from treating illness to sustaining wellness for uninsured residents of Pinellas County.

For nearly a decade, Maria has relied on the Clearwater Free Clinic to help her stay healthy. As a grandmother, her commitment to wellness is deeply tied to her family.

Last week, we wrapped up a special tradition: Volunteer Week at CFC. It was our chance to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy, and expertise to make a difference every day.

When Dr. Emily Hall first heard about Clearwater Free Clinic, it wasn’t through an ad or a professional connection—it was through one of her own patients. Inspired by the patient’s story and the Clinic’s mission, Dr. Hall didn’t hesitate. 

Thank you DeBartolo Family Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Sue & Jim Petru and the Schoenbaum Family Foundation for your commitment to helping us Build Healthy Communities!

Join us in welcoming Gwen (Front Office Manager), PJ (Medication Room Nurse), and Mel (Discharge Coordinator) to the CFC Team!

For Dr. Mariane Bishara, volunteering at the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) is more than just a way to give back—it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in compassion, connection, and community.

Dr. James Chow’s commitment to community health shines through his work at the Clearwater Free Clinic. After relocating from Chicago, where he practiced in the bustling western suburbs, Dr. Chow was searching for opportunities to continue using his skills in a meaningful way. His journey began when he discovered two free clinic options online – Clearwater Free Clinic and another in Saint Pete – and he chose to offer his expertise at Clearwater.

FindHelp.org is an incredibly easy-to-use website where anyone can enter their ZIP code and instantly browse resources available in their community. I often recommend it to our patients because it simplifies the process of finding support.

John H. Meek Jr. was more than a board member—he was a passionate community activist whose dedication to the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) left a lasting impact. For many years, John devoted his time, energy, and leadership to ensuring the clinic's growth and sustainability, helping to expand access to essential medical and behavioral health care for those in need.

When you are grocery shopping it is easy to grab the first thing on the shelf! However, every single food item you put into your body has a different nutritional value. We don’t really know what we are putting into our body until we read our nutrition labels! Certain foods could be advertised as “healthy” and “organic” however, some foods can have high levels of carbohydrates!

This Heart Health Awareness Month, take a moment to learn how Clearwater Free Clinic is making a difference for patients like Paul.

Her journey began in the most unexpected way—with a simple conversation with her neighbor, Connie McLaughlin, a former Clinical Director. “I don’t know anything about primary care,” Mary told her when she was first approached to volunteer. “I only know about labor and delivery.” When Connie confirmed that labor and delivery weren’t part of the clinic’s services, Mary assumed she wouldn’t be much help. But Connie reassured her: “Oh yeah, there’s always something you can do.”

Now, as Janet prepares to move to Georgia, she leaves behind a clinic she deeply loves. “If I wasn’t moving, I wouldn’t be leaving at all,” she said. While she’s exploring opportunities in hospice care and possibly volunteering at a local clinic, she promises to stay connected. With family in the area, she’ll be back to visit—and she won’t hesitate to pop in to check that Clearwater Free Clinic is still running a tight ship.

The Martinis + Matisse party was a night of creativity, connection, and celebration—a true feast for the eyes and soul. As we reflect on an evening filled with inspiring art, delightful conversations, and unforgettable moments, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing photographers who generously donated their time and talent to capture every magical detail.