The mission of the AmeriCares Free Clinics (AFC) is to provide free quality medical care to uninsured residents in a setting where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The intention of AFC is to help those who are making a sincere effort to help themselves and their families, but do not have the financial resources for medical care. The delivery of high quality health care is our primary goal. By targeting the uninsured, the AmeriCares Free Clinics will not compete with the private sector, but complement existing community resources. The AmeriCares Free Clinics has become a source of pride and enrichment to the individual volunteers and community at large.

Description:
The AmeriCares Free Clinics (AFC) are staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, screeners and interpreters, and draw upon the resources of community hospitals, laboratories, specialists, and pharmacies to ensure full, no cost access to a comprehensive health care delivery system. At the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Norwalk there are two weekly walk-in adult clinics and a pediatric clinic session. In addition, we offer continuity clinic sessions for returning patients with chronic illnesses, and specialty sessions for diabetes and asthma.

History:
AmeriCares Free Clinics, a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriCares, was established to serve the medical needs of the working poor. On November 1, 1994, AmeriCares opened its first clinic in Norwalk, CT, which serves as the prototype for program expansion. On January 15, 1997, the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Danbury opened and has been operating at full capacity. Our third program consists of medical services delivered on board a 40 foot mobile medical unit which opened in Bridgeport in July 2003. In September 2007, the Bridgeport site moved into permanent space at 115 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport.

Contact people:

Deb Howard, Director Of Volunteers/Community Outreach, (phone), (email) Cathy Sheehan, MPH, RN, Associate Director/Clinical, (phone), (email) Barbara McCabe , APRN, Clinic Director - Norwalk, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (203) 658-9612

Address:

98 South Main Street Norwalk, CT 06854 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.americaresfreeclinics.org

Directions:

Merritt Parkway from New York: Exit 39A to the Route 7 Connector southbound. Take the Maritime Center/South Norwalk exit and turn right at the end of the ramp onto West Avenue. Follow signs for the Maritime Center to the 4th traffic. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Metro North - South Norwalk,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: Norwalk Transit #10, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does your agency have weekend volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agency have evening volunteer opportunities?
	No
Does your agecny accept court ordered communituy service volunteers?
	No
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for corporate volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for youth volunteers?
	No
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 8-13 with adult supervision?
	No
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 14-18?
	No