In 1970, the St. Pete Free Clinic (SPFC) was founded as a free medical clinic. Over the years, services expanded as SPFC developed additional initiatives to help families and individuals in need. Today, it operates numerous programs designed to meet its mission to “Serve People, Feed Compassion.” Services include programs focused on health and dental hygiene, food and nutrition, supportive transitional housing, and community-services navigation.
Health Care is Community Care
Since its inception, health care has been central to SPFC’s mission. No one should be denied access to medical care because they lack funds. SPFC’s Health & Dental Centers provide quality healthcare, dental care, and access to its Prescription Health Program for individuals who lack health insurance and meet other income requirements. Qualified patients can receive necessary primary care and dental services, as well as help in managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes. The health center also administers Lifestyle Rx, a “Food Pharmacy” that works hand-in-hand with medical-nutrition therapy meant to improve the health of people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
We Help Services
Understanding that access to adequate and nutritious food is a fundamental human need, SPFC added a food bank to its offerings in 1981. Today, that has grown into the Jared S. Hechtkopf Community Food Bank (Jared’s Food Bank) which distributed 20,000,000 pounds of food this past fiscal year, the equivalent to 17 million nutritious meals. Jared’s Food Bank distributes to over 60 food partners including the We Help Services FRESH Pantry. With one in-door choice and two drive-through options, the We Help FRESH Pantry offers individuals and families living in Pinellas County free access to fresh nutritious produce, meats, and food staples, as well as hygiene items and diapers. SPFC also partners with other community providers to provide food and fun food facts to Pinellas County students and their families through the FRESH Sprouts Program. In addition to food, We Help Client Advocate Services helps individuals obtain identification, birth certificates, and other documents needed to secure housing and employment. If SPFC cannot provide a service, the Client Advocates offer information on how to obtain that service and often help clients make the necessary connections.
Health Equity is Community Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a community achieves health equity when no one is “disadvantaged from achieving their potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.” Pinellas County has not yet achieved this distinction, and community needs are rising. Over the last six months, the FRESH Pantry has served more than 30,000 individuals a month, a number that has doubled since April 2022. In addition, hundreds of bags of fresh food are delivered weekly to schools and families through partnered programs such as FRESH Sprouts and Hearty Homes. Providing food to those in need is only one facet of SPFC’s multifaceted approach to achieving health equity. In total, SPFC’s programs support health equity by providing nutritious food for those who need it, increasing access to health care, helping those recovering from substance use with stable housing and support, and educating the community. For more detailed information about all these programs, visit www.stpetersburgfreeclinic.org/about
Community Care
Generosity comes in many forms. Supporters can donate funds and/or food and hygiene items. Donate the car you’re no longer using, or supply the SPFC with a gas card to help with transportation needs. For more information, visit www.stpetersburgfreeclinic.org/donate Plus, supporters can volunteer their time. SPFC programs are always in need of helping hands. Whether you’re looking for a one-time event or a recurring role, opportunities exist for individuals and groups. Visit www.stpetersburgfreeclinic.org/volunteer for more information about how you can make an immediate and positive impact.
