Free Clinic Definition
A Free Clinic is an organization whose primary mission is to provide health care at no charge to individuals with limited resources.  It has an independent governing body and is a 501(c)(3), or has applied for 501(c)(3) status.  It has a varied base of community support, which should include, but not be limited to, individuals, businesses, churches, foundations and government.  It is committed to minimizing barriers to health care, providing quality care, and reporting uniform data to the Association as requested.  A free Clinic will be staffed primarily or exclusively by professional and non-professional volunteers.

West Virginia Free Clinics' Role
West Virginia's Free Clinics are an essential component of the state's health care system, providing quality comprehensive health care to the state's uninsured working poor families. Through strong state financial support and the efficient use of donated supplies and money, the state’s 10 free clinics, and its 2,079 recruited volunteers were responsible for the following activities in fiscal year 2006:

• Treatment of 48,888 patients
• Oversight of 211,569 patient visits
• Filling of 523,231 prescriptions (valued at $60,548,401)
• Receipt of $86,457,720 worth of volunteer hours and inkind contributions

These figures are a true testament to the dedication and commitment these clinics have for their local communities and the people they serve.