Community Health Free Clinic - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

CHFC History >>> Review our history milestones

In 1991 it became apparent there was unmet need for basic medical care for uninsured and underinsured people in the greater Cedar Rapids community. Two young family physicians joined with two senior nurses from St. Lukes Hospital and Mercy Medical Center and decided to do something about it. Volunteer nurses from St. Luke’s Hospital and Mercy Parish Nurses were recruited. Their altruistic and Christian service motivated goals aided in obtaining donated space in a room in Jane Boyd Community House. This location was geographically ideal being close to both hospitals, near the center of the City and not far from public transportation. In-kind donations of basic equipment, examining tables and disposable items helped get the clinic started. Limited laboratory tests and x-rays were donated by the hospitals and radiologists. Two local pharmacies (Fifth Avenue and Clarks) arranged for deeply discounted medication that was needed to supplement donated drug samples.

In 1992 the first sessions were held by the Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic (CRFMC) on the first and third Mondays of each month during the hours of 4:00 to 7:00 PM. During that first year 126 patients were served. As more people were without health insurance or adequate incomes, even those with full time jobs, the number seeking services grew rapidly. It became necessary to employ a Clinic Director. Experienced office nurse Darlene Schmidt began her extraordinary contributions as the first paid employee in 1996. In that same year, a board of directors was recruited and the CRFMC became a not-for-profit corporation under the 501(c)(3) provisions of the Federal Tax Code. The new corporation was named His Hands Ministries d/b/a Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic (HHM/CRFMC). Its mission was dual: medical care for the underserved while changing lives for Christ.

Schmidt’s personal efforts for increased funding led to a key grant from the “Jesse Ball DuPont Foundation” with the help of St. PiusX Parish. A very significant "Prescription Assistance Program" was developed with Schmidt’s leadership and the special efforts of Sara Fishel and Mary Stearns, both volunteer nurses. This program allows supplies of free medicine to be obtained from pharmaceutical manufacturers for those within certain income thresholds as set by each drug company.

By 2000 it became apparent that the space in Jane Boyd Community House could no longer suffice as a permanent home for the Clinic. Seeking an adequate facility and increased funding for operating expenses while witnessing for Christ was the conclusion of HHM/CRFMC’s first strategic planning session. Patient utilization accelerated at a 42% per year annual compound growth rate. A dual philosophy among volunteers developed: one to maintain the HHM/CRFMC mission and another which could seek broader community support as a secular organization. An amicable separation occurred.

In 2001, Dr. William Galbraith and Darlene Schmidt recruited a board of directors and special advisors to develop an adequate clinic facility with increased possibilities for finding operating funds, both short and long term. A 501(c)(3) qualified, not-for-profit Community Health Free Clinic (CHFC) was established. By the most fortunate coincidence, or as some believe an answer to prayers, the philanthropic Hall-Perrine Foundation had reached its 50th birthday. Its board of directors and officers wanted to do something special for the greater Cedar Rapids community to celebrate this milestone. After presenting a grant request and business plan, the CHFC leadership was elated to learn the Hall-Perrine Foundation elected to give $1,480,000 without matching funds to build, equip and furnish a new clinic facility: The Birthday Gift! In another grand collaborative gesture, the Jane Boyd Community House (JBCH) and Four Oaks leaders offered land for the building site immediately adjacent to JBCH. As a quid pro quo, JBCH would use two thirds of space in the facility’s full basement. A ninety-nine year lease for each organization’s use was negotiated. Ryan Construction of Iowa built the facility at cost, affording considerable increased value and quality.

The first fund drive for operating capital -- “Operation Wellness” -- surpassed its goal. An “agency endowment” was established as a first at Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in the same year. The distinguished Cedar Rapids philanthropist William B. Quarton decided to gift a tenth of his estate to CHFC as his legacy toward future basic operating costs in perpetuity. He had found what he wanted to do for health care for those less fortunate, adding to other major contributions to arts and culture in Cedar Rapids.

During construction of the new facility, visionary Schmidt decided an on site dental service was necessary to treat the growing number of people with severe dental disease who could not otherwise obtain care. Two practicing dentists, Drs. Nancy Hart and Joann German Wahle, volunteered to plan a two chair dental service, give generously of their professional skills and recruit colleagues to give free dental care. This led to another funding effort -- ”Operation Healthy Teeth” -- which met a matching grant, again from Hall-Perrine Foundation to secure dental supplies and materials. Both major fund raising campaigns have been spearheaded by two devoted volunteers, Dr. Dennis Boatman and Mr.William Quinby.

In February 2004, a brand new, wonderfully equipped and debt free facility offering medical, dental, pharmacy and social services was opened. During the third year of its operation, medical services rose 29 percent from 24,658 in 2005 to 34,931 in 2006 for the 20,038 patients needing free care. This free care is accomplished by nearly 600 volunteers, one full time and a few part time paid employees.

The work of Community Health Free Clinic is only possible as a result of the generosity of innumerable people. CHFC volunteers, its board of directors, officers and staff rejoice in being able to serve those in need of free services offered for those who are uninsured, underinsured or underserved. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of many, and the innumerable gifts: monetary and in-kind, that allow the Clinic to provide this degree of community service.

Your support is needed for this to continue!

William B. Galbraith, MD, MACP
Clinic Co-founder and Immediate Past-president of the Board

Darlene Schmidt
Chief Executive Officer and Clinic Executive Director

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Mission: To provide Medical and Dental care to the uninsured and under-served
of East Central Iowa through model Community Partnerships.

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