A Year of Compassion: Grateful for Our Caring Community
At the Clearwater Free Clinic, gratitude isn’t just something we feel at the end of the year — it’s woven into our work every single day. It shows up in the smile of a patient who feels heard, in the dedication of a volunteer who shows up week after week, and in the generosity of supporters who make our mission possible.
As we reflect on this year, one thing has never been clearer: our community makes this Clinic what it is.
The Need Is Rising — and So Is the Support
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a 140% increase in new patient enrollment — the highest surge in need ever recorded at the Clearwater Free Clinic. More adults are turning to us for help than at any point in our history.
People arrive at our doors in many different situations — working adults trying to stay healthy for their families, neighbors managing chronic conditions without insurance, newcomers navigating a complex healthcare system, and individuals seeking support to manage stress or improve their wellness.
And every single person is welcomed with dignity, compassion, and the highest quality of care we can provide.
None of that is possible without our community.
You Are the Heart of This Work
Our volunteers give thousands of hours each year — from physicians, nurses, and behavioral health providers to front desk volunteers, program leaders who guide wellness classes and group therapy, and the community members who quietly keep things running behind the scenes. Our board members, who generously share their leadership and expertise, are equally essential to this work. And every week, medical students and residents come through our doors to learn, support patient care, and strengthen the future of community medicine. Together, they form the compassionate network that makes care possible for every patient we serve.
Real Lives Are Changing Here
Behind every statistic is a person working hard to manage their health, support their family, or rebuild their stability. This year, we met so many patients whose courage inspires us daily:
A working adult who finally found care after years of going without insurance
A patient managing a chronic condition who regained control of their health
A newcomer who felt overwhelmed until they discovered a caring place to turn
An individual who found calm, support, and confidence through our wellness and behavioral health programs
These stories remind us that compassion, stability, and access to care can change the entire direction of someone’s life.
Thank You to Our Donors and Supporters
Our donors fuel everything from medications and supplies to wellness classes and mental health visits. Because of you, we can continue providing comprehensive care at no cost to adults who otherwise have nowhere to turn. Through the power of donor support, volunteer providers, and community partners, every $1 donated becomes more than $5 in healthcare services for our patients. Your support has allowed us to keep pace with the rising demand for care in our community.
Together, We Move Forward
We are profoundly grateful to every person who volunteered, donated, referred, shared our work, or simply believed in the mission of the Clearwater Free Clinic.
You are the reason patients receive care with dignity.
You are the reason this Clinic continues to grow in impact and reach.
You are the reason we can meet this rising need with compassion and confidence.
As we look to the year ahead, we remain committed to expanding access, strengthening our programs, and meeting every patient who walks through our doors with compassion and care.
Thank you for everything you do for this community.
Together, we are building a healthier Pinellas County.