Free Clinic Association rebrands as Pennsylvania Charitable Healthcare Coalition

The Free Clinic Association of Pennsylvania on Tuesday announced a rebrand and relaunch as the Pennsylvania Charitable Healthcare Coalition.

According to a release, the organization “represents charitable healthcare providers across Pennsylvania that fill a critical role, providing high-quality, free care for people who are under-insured or uninsured and lack access to care.”

In addition, the organization has launched GiveCare:Now, a statewide call for volunteer talent, including medical and dental professionals.

“Today, we’ve announced a rebrand that captures the essence of our life-changing work and launched a statewide call for volunteers to help us meet the growing needs of our communities,” Executive Director Kristen Houser Rapp said in a statement. “With more than 50 providers operating in the Commonwealth, free and charitable clinics deliver hope to people across Pennsylvania who lack access to healthcare. Without them, thousands of people would not have access to any type of care at all.

“Right now, and in the weeks and months to come, opportunities are available for volunteers to help provide care and give back to others,” added Rapp.

PCHC is seeking volunteers that include the following:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Pharmacists

• Dentists, dental assistants, & dental hygienists

• Mental health professionals

• Volunteers with administrative skills

Volunteer opportunities vary from clinic to clinic and by position, per a release.? All volunteers meet strict credentialing, background checks, and receive training and support.

“I find that the best part of my day is always that I served in the clinic,” said Ridge Salter, M.D., a volunteer at Katallasso Family Health Center in York. “Volunteering my expertise has added so much professional fulfillment, and I know it has been an antidote and a bit of an immunization to burnout.”

PCHC member clinics in 2023 provided at least 114,000 appointments for patients, averaging more than 3,000 per clinic.

“PCHC’s member clinics and charitable providers fill a growing gap that many of our most vulnerable neighbors rely on for basic care, and volunteers are critical to this work,” Highmark Foundation President Yvonne Cook said. “The Highmark Foundation recognizes the vital work of charitable clinics and is proud to continue our partnership with PCHC through a $172,700 grant to further its mission to provide equitable, quality health care for all Pennsylvanians.”

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