Closing the Gap: The Crucial Contribution of Free Clinics to U.S. Healthcare

As I make my way from the Yale School of Public Health to Oklahoma City for the Caring Connections Conference, hosted by the Health Alliance for the Uninsured and the Oklahoma Charitable Clinic Association, I am reminded of the enduring importance of free clinics in the United States healthcare landscape. My journey offers a moment of reflection on the rich history of these clinics and their continued relevance today—a legacy that Manos Juntas - OKC Free Clinic proudly carries forward.

Historical Context

The history of free clinics in the United States can be traced back to the 1960s, a time of significant social upheaval and activism. In response to glaring inequalities in healthcare access, community activists, medical professionals, and volunteers united to establish the first free clinics. One of the earliest and most influential of these was the Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinic in San Francisco, founded in 1967 by Dr. David Smith. This clinic became a model for others, offering free medical care to those who could not afford it, particularly the youth involved in the counterculture movement. The Haight-Ashbury clinic was not just a medical facility but also a hub for social change, advocating for the rights of the underserved and minoritized.

At the same time, the Black Panther Party became a significant force in the free clinic movement by creating a network of Peoples’ Free Medical Clinics (PFMCs) beginning in 1969. These clinics, located in cities such as Oakland, Chicago, and Boston, provided comprehensive medical care, including testing for sickle cell anemia—a disease that disproportionately affects African Americans and had been largely overlooked by mainstream healthcare at the time. The PFMCs were an integral part of the Black Panther Party’s broader social programs aimed at combating systemic racism and healthcare inequality.

These pioneering clinics were founded on the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right—a principle that continues to guide Fundación Manos Juntas, where our motto is “health care is a right, not a privilege.”

Health care is a right, not a privilege.

Free clinics have always been rooted in the communities they serve, providing care to those who fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system. Today, there are more than 1,400 free and charitable clinics across the United States, many of which are members of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), an organization dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to healthcare. Fundación Manos Juntas is proud to be a part of this network, contributing to a legacy of care that has touched millions of lives.

Current Role of Free Clinics

The work we do at Manos Juntas is deeply influenced by the foundational principles of the free clinic movement. Our clinic in Oklahoma City provides a range of services, including primary care, preventive services, and health education, all at no cost to our patients. These services are made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, the majority of whom are pre-health students gaining hands-on experience. We train over 300 pre-health undergraduate volunteers annually, preparing the next generation of healthcare providers who will carry forward the belief that healthcare is a right.

As President of Manos Juntas, I see firsthand the challenges and triumphs of operating a free clinic. The demand for our services is high, particularly among those who are uninsured or underinsured. Despite the expansion of healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act, millions of people living in the United States remain without adequate access to care. For these individuals, free clinics are often their only option for receiving essential medical services.

The history of free clinics is one of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Over the decades, these clinics have pioneered new approaches to healthcare delivery, often operating on limited resources and relying on the dedication of volunteers. They have developed creative solutions to complex problems, from mobile health units to partnerships with local hospitals and universities. These innovations not only improve patient care but also serve as models for broader healthcare practices.

At Yale, where I work to improve health outcomes through health communications and community-engaged research, I am constantly reminded of the importance of connecting with the communities we serve. This ethos is at the heart of what we do at Manos Juntas. Our work is not just about treating illness but about supporting individuals and communities to take control of their health. This is a mission that resonates with the broader goals of public health and one that I am proud to be involved with both in New Haven and Oklahoma City.

The Power of Partnerships

As I prepare to engage with fellow leaders at the Caring Connections Conference, I am struck by the collective impact of free clinics across the nation. The NAFC, of which Manos Juntas is a member, represents a diverse network of clinics that share a common goal: to provide compassionate, high-quality care to those in need. This network is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to support their most vulnerable members.

The work of free clinics, including Fundación Manos Juntas, would not be possible without the incredible support of both local and national community partners. In Oklahoma City, we are fortunate to receive crucial backing from organizations like the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and Oklahoma State Medical Association, whose support allows us to continue serving our community. On a national level, partnerships with organizations like Americares and Direct Relief provide us with the resources and medical supplies we need to offer comprehensive care to our patients. These partnerships exemplify the collaborative spirit necessary to address healthcare inequities and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who might otherwise go without essential healthcare services.

Conclusion

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that individual health does not exist in a vacuum. The health of each person profoundly impacts the health of entire communities. Free clinics exist because our country has failed to provide adequate healthcare to all its residents—a reality that the pandemic starkly highlighted. As we look to the future, it’s clear that we must do more than sustain these clinics; we need to strengthen our healthcare system so that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life. The existence of free clinics is a testament to the gaps in our system, and it’s a reminder that real change is needed to ensure that healthcare is accessible, equitable, and just for all.

About the Author

Jackson Higginbottom, MPH, is the President of Fundación Manos Juntas, a free clinic in Oklahoma City that provides healthcare services to uninsured and underserved populations. He leads the Initiative for Strategic Health Communications at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at the Yale School of Public Health, where he focuses on improving health outcomes through health communications and community-engaged research.