The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and Direct Relief today announced the formation of a $300,000 awards program to recognize and support innovation and continuity in care among the nation’s more than 1,200 Free and Charitable Health Clinics.

These clinics receive little or no government funding, rely heavily on volunteer medical staff, and provide service for free or in some cases for voluntary donations.

“Free and charitable clinics play a crucial and often unheralded role in America’s healthcare safety net, providing quality, preventive, and primary care for people who would otherwise lack access,” said Thomas Tighe, president and CEO of Direct Relief. “Direct Relief is delighted to build upon our longstanding partnership with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and expand our efforts to mobilize philanthropic resources keenly needed by those serving people most in need across our country.”

The new initiative, funded by Direct Relief, will offer awards totaling $100,000 per year for three years. The NAFC and Direct Relief will work together to design the program for the highest possible impact in this crucial piece of America’s health safety net.

“Direct Relief is a true partner in health dedicated to supporting the NAFC’s mission of ensuring that the medically underserved have access to quality health care,” said Nicole Lamoureux, CEO of the NAFC.  “Through our partnership and the addition of this new program, Direct Relief proves yet again to be a thought leader recognizing the continued need for Free and Charitable Clinics and their services to the underserved.”

Over the past eleven years, Direct Relief has worked closely with the NAFC, mobilizing philanthropic support in the form of essential medications and medical supplies as well as financial assistance for hundreds of Free and Charitable Clinics across the country and the patients they serve.