Clearwater Free Clinic to Celebrate Grand Opening of Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center
Newly renovated 8,500-square-foot center expands behavioral health, rehabilitation, nutrition and preventive care for uninsured patients and their families in Pinellas County
Clearwater Free Clinic will celebrate the grand opening of the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center on Thursday, October 8, 2026, marking a transformational expansion of healthcare and wellness services for uninsured patients and their families.
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program and speakers at 6:00 p.m. The new Wellness Center is located at 1212 Court Street in Clearwater, adjacent to Clearwater Free Clinic’s existing medical facility.
The 8,500-square-foot center represents the next chapter in the Clinic’s nearly five decades of service. It expands Clearwater Free Clinic’s model of free, comprehensive healthcare beyond treating illness to helping patients prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and build healthier lives.
Addressing Pinellas County’s Leading Health Needs
The opening comes as the 2025 Pinellas County Community Health Needs Assessment identifies the county’s three highest-ranked community health needs as:
Healthcare Access and Quality
Behavioral Health
Exercise, Nutrition and Weight
The Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center directly expands Clearwater Free Clinic’s capacity in all three areas by bringing prevention, treatment and practical support together in one location.
“Building the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center is more than brick and mortar, it’s about giving the communities we serve the tools to live their healthiest lives... With this expansion, we’ll not only treat illness, we’ll prevent it.”
Services Designed to Help Patients Stay Well
The Wellness Center includes:
Expanded behavioral health services, with dedicated space for counseling, psychiatric services, group therapy and related programming;
Physical and occupational therapy space designed to restore mobility, independence and quality of life;
The Food Clinic, powered by BayCare in partnership with St. Pete Free Clinic, connecting patients and families with nutritious food and support;
A fully equipped demonstration kitchen that turns nutrition education into practical, affordable skills patients can use at home; and
Flexible space for chronic-disease education, wellness workshops, group programs and community partnerships.
The need for these services is reflected in Clearwater Free Clinic’s continued growth. In FY26, the Clinic served 1,113 patients, an 18% increase over the previous year, and enrolled 428 new patients, a 91% increase. The Clinic also provided 2,278 chronic-care visits and 1,879 behavioral-health visits.
By the Numbers
8,500 square feet dedicated to behavioral health, rehabilitation, nutrition and wellness
More than $6.8 million raised toward the $7 million Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign goal
1,113 patients served during FY26
2,278 chronic-care visits and 1,879 behavioral-health visits during FY26
A $7 Million Community Investment
The Wellness Center is the centerpiece of Clearwater Free Clinic’s Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign, a $7 million effort supporting the purchase, renovation and outfitting of the new facility, along with expanded programs and patient services.
With the grand opening approaching, the campaign has raised more than $6.8 million toward its $7 million goal.
Launched with a transformational gift from the Ruth and J O Stone Foundation, the campaign has united individuals, foundations, businesses and community partners around a shared vision: ensuring uninsured patients and their families can access not only medical care when they are sick, but also the resources that help them stay well.
Grand Opening
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Celebration begins at 5:30 p.m.
Program and speakers begin at 6:00 p.m.
Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center
1212 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Since 1977, Clearwater Free Clinic has provided comprehensive healthcare to eligible uninsured residents of Pinellas County through volunteerism and community partnerships. Learn more at www.clearwaterfreeclinic.org.