AAFP Foundation Supports Free Health Care Clinics Through National Grant Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2024

Media Contact:
Celia Searles
Csearles@aafp.org

Leawood, KS—The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation is supporting access to affordable, equitable health care—awarding over $150,000 in grant funding to 10 free primary care clinics across the U.S.

The Family Medicine Cares USA program, launched in 2011, helps enhance access to primary care by helping new and existing free clinics purchase new equipment and medical instruments. The program also gives AAFP members, residents and students the ability to volunteer their time and talents.

This year, five new and five existing clinics are receiving this funding. Of the five new clinics awarded, four are student-run free clinics.

“Free clinics can greatly improve access to care for underserved populations who often fall through the cracks of our health care system and are essential in closing equity gaps and addressing health disparities,” said Tomás Owens, MD, FAAFP, President of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees. “As we navigate a changing health care landscape, we are incredibly grateful to our donors who support the Family Medicine Cares USA program, which helps clinics care for patients without the safety net of insurance.”

There are nearly 26 million underinsured people in the U.S. Existing free clinics have seen a dramatic increase in patient demand with the majority of these patients coming from working households. The need far exceeds existing capacity.

Family Medicine Cares USA works to meet those needs and close equity gaps in the health care system. As of 2024, Family Medicine Cares USA has awarded over $2.1 million to 131 clinics in 38 states and one U.S. Territory. 

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