Fan Free Clinic

Fan Free Clinic is Virginia’s first free clinic, having been incorporated in 1970. Today, the clinic serves over 12,500 individuals each year through its many programs. Medical services at the Clinic are offered through multiple day and evening clinic sessions each week which include general medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, primary care, and family planning. They also offer sexually-transmitted infection testing and treatment, as well as day and evening hours for HIV antibody testing. Medical services are provided free of charge by volunteer medical professionals who are assisted by community volunteers. Fan Free Clinic also serves as a community rotation site and placement site for VCU’s Medical College of Virginia residents. A nutritionist and chiropractor also volunteer their services, on an as needed basis, for clients requesting information and evaluation.

Programs Supported by the Community Action Fund:

Women and Children’s Health Initiative at Fan Free Clinic addresses the physical health of uninsured and underinsured women and children in a safe and supportive environment. The medical clinic relies on volunteer medical professionals (medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and pediatric residents) to provide services. The program provides pediatric visits and access to family planning with a medical provider at no charge. Community Health Outreach Workers continue to refer women of childbearing age for services in the clinic, providing education and medical referrals to the most at-risk population. 

HIV Case Management program assists individuals with HIV/AIDS in securing entitlements, benefits, social services and appropriate referrals in the community. Services include professionally-led support groups, financial assistance, complimentary therapies, food pantry/nutritional supplements, an HIV/AIDS information and referral hotline, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) housing emergency financial assistance, and extensive prevention education and outreach. Individuals with HIV/AIDS who become homeless are especially vulnerable because of their increased health care needs; therefore, case managers intervene at the first signs of a housing crisis to prevent homelessness and the additional problems it creates. Case managers also work to address other obstacles that clients may face, including difficulties accessing transportation, medical care, and sufficient food.