March 2025 | Newsletter

Updates from Idaho's Free and Charitable Clinics

The past few months have been busy for Idaho's Free and Charitable Clinics. We'll share a number of updates here but first we must share our ever constant gratitude for our volunteers, donors, partners and amazing fellow non-profits across the state and country. Thank you!

We also appeal to all of our friends to spread the word of the good work done by Idaho's Free and Charitable Clinics, and our ever growing need for volunteers, resources and funding.

This year please remember to support IAFCC through the Idaho Gives Campaign. Share our link and our posts throughout the campaign!

Happy Clinic Vibes at Snake River Community Clinic in Lewiston ID

Find A Clinic:

Care House Clinic (Nampa)
Genesis Community Health (Garden City, Caldwell)
Love Heals (headquartered in Boise, but a mobile clinic model)
Pocatello Free Clinic (Pocatello & American Falls);
Snake River Free Clinic (Lewiston)
Wellness Tree Community Clinic (Twin Falls)
Vineyard Clinic (Garden City)
Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic (Boise located on the Bench
Rexburg Free Clinic (Rexburg)

REPORT & CALL TO ACTION

A Proven Transportation Solution: Ride United

The Idaho Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) recognizes that transportation challenges are a major barrier to accessing healthcare and essential services for many community members. In Bannock County, a significant portion of the population—especially those who fall below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) threshold—struggle to meet their basic needs. Issues like unmet housing, food, utilities, and transportation needs are widespread, with 21.1% of residents facing transportation difficulties.

For these individuals, transportation is not just a convenience; it’s a critical issue affecting ability to receive medical care, attend appointments, and access services that support health and well-being. Recognizing the need for a solution, the United Way of Southeastern Idaho developed and implemented Ride United to address transportation barriers in Bannock County.

Ride United successfully worked with partner organizations, including the Pocatello Free Clinic allowing individuals to reach medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, and access social services. By offering a free and independent transportation solution, Ride United supported long-term recovery and reduced the burden of transportation costs on vulnerable individuals. The initiative lead to an increased adherence to behavioral health treatments and improved access to critical services.

Ride United helped address not only transportation challenges, but also the social determinants of health that often keep individuals from achieving better outcomes. Not only does it ensure access to healthcare, but it also helps reduce reliance on emergency services, supporting overall health improvements within the community.

The Idaho Association of Free and Charitable Clinics encourages other organizations to explore how they can implement or support similar initiatives to address transportation needs. By working together, we can ensure that every individual in our community has the opportunity to access the services they need to thrive.

IAFCC Announcements

Behavioral Health Grant

This year IAFCC was the recipient of a grant to improve access to behavioral health services.
Five clinics are participating in the grant to hire and train behavioral health care workers.
So far clinics have been able to increase a range of services through this grant and have improved the behavioral health workforce in the state.
The project is supported by the Idaho Opioid Settlement Funding, distributed through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Americares HPAI

This year IAFCC has partnered with Americares to share resources and procure PPE for clinics to help fight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Our clinics can serve a critical role in preventing and managing potential outbreaks, particularly among high-risk populations such as farm workers.
The current risk of infection for humans is low but not zero. To prevent potential outbreaks among humans, especially among high-risk populations such as farm workers, Americares has partnered with the Idaho Association of Free and Charitable Clinics to provide funding, education, and PPE for clinic staff and patients. Educating clinic staff on HPAI is crucial because they serve as the frontline for patients who may have limited access to other healthcare resources.