About Us
North Carolina Association of Free Clinics
Serving the Uninsured and the Underinsured
The North Carolina Association of Free Clinics, founded in 1998, is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that conducts advocacy, research, public relations, resource development, training and technical assistance on behalf of its member Free Clinics and the people they serve.
Our Mission
To support and advocate for member Free Clinics and the populations they serve.
Our Vision
Through a collaborative network we will improve access to health care for the uninsured and underinsured people of North Carolina. We will know we have achieved our vision when:
- All uninsured and underinsured North Carolinians will have statewide access to healthcare.
- Free Clinics are financially secure.
- Free Clinics have an adequate number of volunteer professionals.
- All NCAFC members are accredited.
- There is a strong participation and engagement by clinic personnel and volunteers in NCAFC activities.
- NCAFC is the primary source of information and education for free clinics and uninsured individuals.
Our Core Values
- We believe that inability to pay should not prevent people from receiving health care.
- We believe that all health care is "local" and that community based planning, governance and collaboration are critical.
- We believe that good stewardship of resources means obtaining donated equipment, supplies and services whenever possible.
- We believe that all persons deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Our Objectives
- To increase networking among member clinics.
- To keep member clinics updated on state and national public policy issues and legislation affecting health care.
- To collect and disseminate aggregate data and information for the purpose of the development of public policy and legislation which affects the population we serve, thereby giving a stronger voice to those we serve.
- To provide cost-saving opportunities to member clinics through group purchasing opportunities and leveraging of in-kind gifts.
- To encourage high standards of operation for member clinics, and professionalism for their staff members, and excellence in their governing bodies.
- To provide educational opportunities for member clinic staff and board members.
- To develop and encourage the use of communication vehicles such as newsletter, e-mail connections, and other means.
- To develop and maintain relationships with other public, private and professional health-related organizations.
- To provide technical assistance to member clinics and those interested in starting new clinics.
- To encourage and contribute to the development of regional and national free clinic associations.
