Our Community's Answer for the Uninsured

When income is limited, even a simple illness may be neglected because of the ability to pay. When jobs are lost, families are often unable to afford the high cost of
health insurance.

The Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic was founded in October 1993, originally as a program of Doylestown Hospital. In 1997 we became a separate, private not-for-profit organization with our own board of directors. The Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic serves low-income uninsured or underinsured adults and children in our community.

The clinic has had over 26,000 patient visits, serving over 6,200 individual adults and children and has an annual budget of $365,000. Funding is primarily from community donations and special events, with additional funding from foundations and occasional small government grants.

There is no cost to the patients and no insurance is accepted. To be eligible, a patient must live within our service area, be uninsured and their household income must be within 200% of the federal poverty level. Medical appointments are available 25-30 hours per week, with both day and evening appointments.

In January 2002, The Free Clinic opened their dental program using a referral network of volunteer dentists. Appointments for on-site dental screening and x-rays began in June 2002 and dental hygiene services began in June 2005. Patients who need further treatment are referred to community volunteer dentist's offices.

The clinic provides social work services in addition to medical and dental care. Adults and children are enrolled in free or low-cost health insurance, such as CHIP, Medicaid and the "AdultBasic" program. Patients also receive help locating resources such as low-cost housing, legal assistance, food, and help for battered women. Assistance is also provided to help eligible persons enroll in the free and low-cost medication programs offered by the pharmaceutical companies.