St. Petersburg Free Clinic purchases building to expand Health Center

The St. Petersburg Free Clinic has acquired a new location for its Health Center, which provides free medical services for South and mid-Pinellas County adults who don’t have adequate access to health care. The new building allows the Free Clinic to expand the health care services it offers through the Health Center.

With a significant gift from retired business executive David Baldwin, the Free Clinic has purchased a 7,000-square-foot building at 5501 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg.

Currently, the Free Clinic provides basic health and wellness services for thousands of low-income, uninsured adults in Pinellas County each year. Last year, the Health Center provided 13,000 basic health and wellness services – from health screenings to general care to specialty care – for free.

The new building’s eight exam rooms will provide more space to bring in additional volunteer specialists and equipment to diagnose and treat its patients. The Free Clinic plans to add dermatologic services and expand its services for wound care, chiropractic care, acupuncture and physical therapy for its patients.

The new building also provides the capacity to expand services around two key health conditions that are top diagnoses for patients who visit the Health Center: diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For example, specialized equipment like a treadmill for stress testing and an echocardiogram will regularly be available to test for cardiovascular disease.

“We often serve as a primary care provider for our patients, and they frequently need help treating a wide range of health conditions,” said Beth Houghton, the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s executive director. “This new building allows us to better meet the healthcare needs of our patients.”

The setup will also streamline the Health Center’s processes, allow for private, confidential spaces for patient consultations, and enhance the patient’s experience.

Baldwin’s gift made the $1,575,000 purchase possible. Paula Clair Smith, director of commercial services for Colliers Tampa Bay, represented the Free Clinic in the purchase from Women’s Health Associates Real Estate Partnership.

The Free Clinic plans to move its Health Center into the medical office within the new building in mid-summer 2017. It plans to expand its health education services with space in the new building, and it’s seeking funding to expand its oral health service into the remaining space within the new building.

About St. Petersburg Free Clinic

St. Petersburg Free Clinic is a multi-service, independent, not-for-profit human services agency providing neighbors in need assistance with food, shelter and health care since 1970.The Free Clinic is comprised of eight programs that are a beacon of hope for families and individuals who fall through the cracks of existing systems and services. To learn more, please visit www.stpetersburgfreeclinic.org.

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