Free clinic
Free Clinic
Free clinic (pronunciation: /friː klɪnɪk/) is a type of healthcare facility that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to individuals without charge. The concept of free clinics originated in the 1960s in the United States, during a time of social and political change.
Etymology
The term "free clinic" is derived from the English words "free", meaning without cost, and "clinic", a facility for outpatient medical care. The term was first used in the late 1960s to describe volunteer-based health clinics that provided services free of charge.
Description
Free clinics are typically non-profit, community-based organizations that provide care to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals. They are often staffed by a mix of paid healthcare professionals and volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Services offered at free clinics can include primary care, preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health services, dental care, and more. Some free clinics also offer health education and outreach programs.
While free clinics do not charge for services, they often rely on donations, grants, and other forms of funding to operate. Many free clinics also work in partnership with other healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
Related Terms
- Healthcare facility
- Primary care
- Preventive care
- Chronic disease management
- Mental health services
- Dental care
- Health education
- Outreach programs
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Free clinic
- Wikipedia's article - Free clinic
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