In their continued effort to help vulnerable populations access healthcare services that address chronic disease, Direct Relief, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) today announce the twelve free and charitable clinics that collectively received $300,000 in grants through the Continuity in Care program.

The Continuity in Care program is a multi-year initiative made possible through the generosity of Direct Relief and BD, and administered by the NAFC. It supports free and charitable clinics in expanding patient-tailored, innovative models of chronic disease care for vulnerable patients in the United States. This round of grants, which total $25,000 per grantee, fund new or existing programs that are focused on helping patients who have, or at risk for contracting, diabetes and hypertension, through patient education, prevention, medication compliance and patient engagement efforts.

“Free and charitable clinics play an instrumental role in caring for patients across the United States each and every day, and this funding aims to expand their vital work through innovative, patient-first solutions,” said Damon Taugher, Vice President of Global Programs for Direct Relief. “Direct Relief is privileged to again join with NAFC and BD to recognize these clinics and their critical role.”

“The NAFC is grateful to have partners like BD and Direct Relief who recognize the essential role free & charitable clinics play within their communities to provide accessible health care,” said Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC President and Chief Executive Officer. “This important program helps our members provide important services that diabetes and hypertension chronic diseases among patients in underserved communities.”

• The 2021 Continuity in Care grantees are:
• Lahai Health – Lynnwood, Wash.
• Open Arms Clinic – Toccoa, Georgia
• Volunteers in Medicine – Wilkes-Barre, Penn.
• Church Health Center of Memphis, Inc. – Memphis, Tenn.
• Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center – Brandon, Fla.
• Sinclair Health Clinic – Winchester, Va.
• West Virginia Health Right, Inc. – Charleston, W.V.
• CrossOver Healthcare Ministry – Richmond, Va.
• Faith Family Medical Center – Nashville, Tenn.
• Westminster Free Clinic – Thousand Oaks, Calif.
• C-ASIST Free Health Clinic – Dearborn, Mich.
• Rophe Free Clinic, Inc. – Indianapolis, Ind.

The next program application will be announced in the first quarter of 2022 and will be open to all active members of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.