Charleston Free Clinic Receives $79K Grant From Bishop Gadsden Community

Press Release

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic (BIFMC) today announced that it has been selected as a recipient of a 2021 Bishop Gadsden Charitable Fund Grant, receiving an award of $79,000.

The gift from the Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community will enhance Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic’s commitment to the underserved population across the Lowcountry who are uninsured and in need of health care, particularly as many navigate health and income insecurity amid the COVID-19 crisis. Currently, the Clinic serves over 450 uninsured patients a month who live or work on Johns, James, and Wadmalaw Islands or Folly Beach, as well as those who serve the hospitality industry on the Charleston peninsula. The clinic hopes to expand their free services to thousands more in need of medical attention across the Lowcountry, and continue to provide vaccination clinics to combat the spread of COVID-19 within vulnerable communities.

“We are deeply thankful to all of the residents of Bishop Gadsden residents and team members who made this gift possible,” said Clinic Director Brenda Falls. “Their generosity is pivotal to our ability to ensure that hundreds of uninsured adults across the Lowcountry have access to consistent, high quality health care, including vital life saving screenings and medications that they would not have otherwise.”

The Clinic currently treats over 5,000 low income adults, the majority of who work full time but still do not have access to health insurance. Many working adults in our community often have to make the difficult choice between going to the doctor and paying for needed medications, putting food on the table or paying for rent. Typically, low income adults will forgo their medical needs to make ends meet. Thanks to over 140 volunteers and community support, Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic has been able to provide over 55,000 free patient visits since opening the doors in 2008. Patients will benefit greatly from the renewed funding by Bishop Gadsden residents.

The Bishop Gadsden Charitable Fund, which began in 2018, allows residents and employee team members the opportunity to help residents in the Bishop Gadsden Community who require financial assistance as well as assist nonprofit organizations in the Charleston community, and has distributed with more than $2.7 million to Charleston area charitable organizations.

BIFMC depends solely on funding via grants and donations from the community to support operations at the 7-exam room facility off of Maybank Highway on Johns Island. Through a robust volunteer program, the Clinic is able to provide free comprehensive medical care to patients at no cost. The Clinic does not receive any state or federal funding and serves roughly 22% of the uninsured that live or work across the Barrier Islands community. Additional sources of revenue come from the Clinic’s annual fundraisers, including a Golf Invitational, Sporting Clays Tournament, and ‘Fashion for a Cause’ event. For details on how you can support or attend an upcoming event, visit www.bifmc.org.

BIFMC is grateful for the continued commitment and support of the Bishop Gadsden residents in their generosity, kindness, and volunteer efforts to support our mission.

If you would like to make a donation to the clinic to support free health care services for those who cannot afford health insurance, click here.

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