Bay Area’s Women’s Community Clinic Kicks Off 10th Anniversary:
Unique volunteer-based free clinic provides excellent health care to uninsured while training future health care leaders

San Francisco, California, September 23, 2009 — This October, the Women’s Community Clinic will celebrate its 10th anniversary as an innovative volunteer-based clinic that provides free health care to Bay Area women and girls.

Over the years, the nonprofit health clinic has earned a reputation as a safe, welcoming environment where uninsured women can access excellent health services. Since 1999, the Clinic has provided health care services to more than 20,000 women and trained over 500 health care volunteers. SHOW your support

“As the Women’s Community Clinic approaches its 10th anniversary, we recognize an increased need in our community,” said Executive Director Carlina Hansen. “In times of economic uncertainty and rising health care costs, the Clinic is a critical safety net, allowing Bay Area women free access to the health care services and support they need.”

By leveraging the skills of volunteer clinicians and health workers, the Women’s Community Clinic keeps administrative costs low while providing the community with free, excellent health services. This volunteer-based model of care, the first of its kind in the Bay Area, provides $5 worth of services for every $1 donation the Clinic receives. SHOW your support

In addition to providing high quality health care, the Women’s Community Clinic also prepares hundreds of women to enter the health care workforce. Over 60% of Clinic volunteers go on to careers in health related fields, taking with them the Clinic’s commitment to accessible health care.

“Being a client at the Women’s Community Clinic has empowered me to be proactive about taking care of my health,” said Katie Joy Alsup, an uninsured waitress who was so inspired by the quality of health care she received at the Clinic that she became a volunteer and is pursuing a degree in nursing.

In October, the Women’s Community Clinic will launch a year-long 10th anniversary celebration. Highlights include:

* Innovation–October 13, 2009. The Clinic will release its report “A Winning Volunteer Strategy: How to Leverage Your Most Under-utilized Resource,” which will offer insight into the Clinic’s successful volunteer-based model of care that trains the next generation of health care providers and reduces costs. For copies of the report, email media@womenscommunityclinic.org.

* Celebration–May 6, 2010. Save the date for the Clinic’s star-studded benefit, HYSTERIA 2010: Redefining Women’s Health. Past performers have included comedians Margaret Cho and Caroline Rhea.

* Expansion–Fall 2010. In response to urgent and increased demand for services, the Women’s Community Clinic has secured a larger, better-equipped facility near San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood. The new facility will allow the Clinic to expand services to current clients and triple the number of clients served.

About the Women’s Community Clinic
Since 1999, the Women’s Community Clinic has honored its mission to improve the health and well-being of women and girls by providing free women’s health services, outreach services, and health career training programs.

Contact: Lakiesha McGhee, 415.379.7802 x305, lakiesha@womenscommunityclinic.org

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