For more than 30 years, the Health Foundation of South Florida has invested in the region’s healthcare safety net, not just with grants, but with vision. The proof is evident at Open Door Health Center, Chapman Partnership, and the Good Health Clinic, whose shared legacy reflects decades of community-rooted care that has grown from modest beginnings into trusted medical homes for thousands of uninsured and vulnerable residents.

These legacy clinics have taught an enduring lesson: when you invest in community-driven care, the return is generational. Patients like Cheryl Marshburn, who managed her diabetes at Open Door, a mother who found stability and support at Chapman, and Tim W., who recovered from a heart attack and rebuilt his life through care at Good Health Clinic, all show how access to compassionate, consistent care can change everything.

In 2025, the Health Foundation is building on this legacy with a new $2.1 million investment in seven free and charitable clinics, and the YMCA Health Navigation Program. The free and charitable clinics: St. John Bosco, Light of the World, UMC Free Clinic, Universal Heritage Institute, Center for Haitian Studies, Good News Care Center, and Open Door Health Center, provide direct primary and specialty care to thousands of uninsured residents in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. The YMCA program complements this effort with community health workers who guide clinic patients through complex systems, reduce unnecessary ER use, and help families manage chronic diseases.

All seven clinics are members of the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, a statewide network strengthened by a recurring $9.5 million annual state appropriation. The Health Foundation supported the Association’s research and data analysis efforts, funding a statewide survey and impact report that helped make the case for the state appropriation. Collectively, these clinics deliver millions of dollars in essential primary and specialty care each year, made possible through volunteer physicians, nurses, dentists, and specialists who donate their time to ensure care remains accessible.

These clinics are strategically located in areas where they are needed most, medically underserved neighborhoods and federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. Together, they serve nearly 9,000 unique patients annually.

The strategy is clear: expand what has worked in the past and adapt it for today’s challenges. As coverage losses loom and the number of uninsured grows, these clinics and navigators will be the difference between residents falling through the cracks or finding a medical home.

This funding represents a continuation of the Health Foundation’s long-term investment philosophy, patient-centered care, and commitment to health equity. By strengthening the free and charitable clinics, the Foundation ensures they are preserved and multiplied across new communities.