Community Health Free Clinic - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

History Milestones

1991-1992 | 1996-1999 | 2000-2002 | 2003-2006 | FULL History

1991--Need for medical care for uninsured realized by a Linn County Medical
Society committee and nurses from two Cedar Rapids hospitals.

1992--In-kind donations of simple equipment, examining tables, some
disposable items and space in Jane Boyd Community House are realized.

1992--Two local pharmacies (Fifth Avenue and Clarks) arranged for deeply
discounted medication was needed to supplement donated drug samples.

1992--In the first year, 126 patients receive medical care without charge
by professional and lay volunteers in Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic.

1996--His Hands Ministries dba Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic formed a
501(c)(3) qualified corporation and Darlene Schmidt becomes Clinic Director.

1999--Very significant “Prescription Assistance Program” was developed by
director Schmidt.

2000--Nurses Sara Fishel and Mary Stearns take the leadership role in the
Prescription Assistance Program

2000--Need for an adequate facility identified which eventually led to an
amicable separation into two free medical clinics for the community.

2002--Darlene Schmidt and Dr. William Galbraith recruit a board of directors
and special advisors to form Community Health Free Clinic.

2002--501(c)(3) qualified, not-for-profitCommunity Health Free Clinic (CHFC)
was established and first housed in Jane Boyd Community House.

2002--Hall- Perrine Foundation gives $1,480,000 without matching funds
to build, equip and furnish a new facility as a gift to the community.

2002--Jane Boyd Community House (JBCH) board of directors offered a 99
year lease on land for the building site immediately adjacent to JBCH.

2002-2003--Ryan Construction of Iowa builds the facility at cost, affording
considerable increased value and quality.

2003--Distinguished Cedar Rapids philanthropist William B. Quarton adds a
legacy for CHFC from his estate for future operating expense.

2004--A brand new, wonderfully equipped and debt free facility offering
medical, dental, pharmacy and social services was opened.

2005--To date approximately 2,000 services per month and during
the past fiscal year over $1,600,000 worth of free medicine obtained through
the“Prescription Assistance Program” has been realized.

2006--William B. Galbraith, MD, serves as President, CHFC Board of Directors
and Darlene Schmidt remains CEO/Clinic Executive Director.

Today…patients are arriving from an 80 mile radius, live in 120 zip codes and
are being served from the hard work and hearts of 600 volunteers.

[Above milestones taken from full history] Review full history

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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.