Free Health Care Center
A subsidiary of Catholic Charities
Providing free high-quality medical and dental care to those who lack access
The Challenge
Many in the Pittsburgh region are unable to access high-quality health care due to an inability to pay, lack of ready access to Medicaid or not having adequate or any insurance.
As a result, too many people in southwestern Pennsylvania do not address chronic pain or disease states, living a diminished existence or relying on emergency care. This approach places a burden on insured patients, whose premiums reflect increased financial costs, and on already stressed health care systems. Neither does it provide the continuity of care necessary to foster well-being.
Free Health Care Center
Since 2007, the FHCC has provided comprehensive medical and dental care in a family practice setting, staffed by volunteer providers. We serve adults 19 years and older. Our eligibility criteria is solely based on income less than 250% of Federal Poverty guidelines, independent of insurance status.
Patients are seen on an appointment-only basis and have access to routine and preventative care. Specialty care includes cardiology, gynecology and endocrinology among many others. Advanced dental care includes endodontics, periodontics and prostheses and crowns. Patients are also assessed for emotional well-being, food security and other social determinants. Those who could benefit from additional care are referred to the Catholic Charities case management team.
Expanding Our Care
Even treating hundreds of patients annually, many people are still unable to access care.
Moving to Compassion Corner gives the FHCC the ability to expand space for patient care and revise eligibility requirements.
Anticipated Impact
- Offering an additional 10,000 points of service over the next three years
- Helping patients navigate insurance coverage as possible and applicable to ensure access to comprehensive care
- Reducing emergency room visits and preventable deaths
- Educating individuals and families on proactive health care and reducing complications and distress from chronic disease states
- Welcoming medical and dental students to a community medicine experience