In 1977 the Clinic officially established in a small rental house on Rogers St. and was open one night per week.

1985 the Clinic move to N. Ft. Harrison, in 1997 our first expansion/renovation project.

For nearly 50 years, Clearwater Free Clinic has been dedicated to serving uninsured residents in Pinellas County with dignity, compassion, and excellence. What began as a handful of volunteer doctors working from a small, converted home has grown into a full-service healthcare home for thousands of patients each year. Along the way, our model of care has expanded in phases—each one building on the last to meet the needs of our community.

Phase 1: In our early years, we focused on serving uninsured patients with existing medical conditions—particularly those who needed follow-up after hospital visits and long-term management of chronic diseases. (Over time, this phase has grown to include residency programs that expand access and bring specialty services to the Clinic. This year, for example, we were able to offer new dermatology and rheumatology services through these partnerships.)
Phase 2: We expanded access to medication management, ensuring patients could consistently receive the prescriptions necessary to maintain their health. (This program continues to grow—patients can now call ahead for refills, and we recently introduced an online refill option directly through our website for added convenience.)
Phase 3 (2014): We launched a behavioral health program, recognizing that mental and emotional well-being are inseparable from physical health. (This program has recently expanded with the addition of a social worker and case management services, allowing us to better support patients and their families beyond the exam room.)

Now, we are proud to enter Phase 4: moving beyond a problem-oriented care model and embracing a whole-person approach that expands to include prevention and wellness.

Meeting More Families Where They Are

Healthcare is becoming more expensive and less accessible every year. Too many families face gaps in coverage and care—like adults approaching age 65 but not yet eligible for Medicare, or workers who lose or change jobs and suddenly find themselves uninsured. Clearwater Free Clinic is stepping forward to meet these residents where they are, making sure they don’t have to go without care during these critical transitions.

Phase 4 opens our doors wider than ever before. We are now able to welcome patients earlier—whether they need preventive screenings, wellness support, or short-term care during a gap in insurance—so that health concerns can be addressed before they become serious. We believe in catching problems early, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

One patient shared her story:

“I came to the Clinic thinking I had a simple infection, but I learned my diabetes was out of control. Honestly, I was afraid to come at first—I didn’t know what kind of care I’d get at a free clinic. But they embraced me and my family, and I got better healthcare here than when I was paying big insurance premiums. Today, I feel like a new woman, and I know I wouldn’t be here to watch my grandson grow up if it weren’t for the Clinic. They truly saved my life.”

What Phase 4 Adds for Patients

Expanded Access – Patients can now turn to us during times of transition or risk, without waiting for a diagnosis, giving them peace of mind and stability when they need it most.
Preventive Care & Wellness – Screenings, nutrition programs, and wellness activities will be core to our care, helping families stay healthier, longer.
Comprehensive Whole-Person Care – Our expanded model brings together prevention, chronic care, behavioral health, and medication management—ensuring that every patient has a healthcare home, no matter where they are on their journey.

Strengthening Families for Generations

The changes we’re making today will ripple far beyond this moment. Parents who can access preventive care have the opportunity to create a healthier lifestyle for the entire family. Families who no longer delay care will build habits of wellness that last a lifetime. By keeping our residents well, we’re ensuring that future generations in Pinellas County inherit a stronger, healthier community.

This vision is at the heart of our Keep Them Well campaign—a bold effort to expand services and facilities so that Clearwater Free Clinic can continue meeting the growing healthcare needs of Pinellas County for decades to come.

Join Us in Building Phase 4

For Patients: If you or someone you know is uninsured and needs care, we invite you to register as a new patient. Clearwater Free Clinic is here to walk alongside you—whether you need preventive screenings, medication, behavioral health, or primary care home.
For Supporters: Every expansion of care is made possible by our generous donors. By contributing to the Keep Them Well campaign, you are helping us provide more visits, more medications, more wellness programs, and more opportunities for healthier lives across Pinellas County. Together, we can ensure that no one has to face the rising costs of healthcare alone.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Phase 4 is not just another step forward—it is a leap toward a healthier, more resilient Pinellas County. It represents the Clinic’s continued promise: to meet our residents where they are, and to keep them well for generations to come.

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