Arlington Free Clinic

The Arlington Free Clinic is a nonprofit, community-based, volunteer-driven organization committed to providing access to quality health care services to low-income, uninsured county residents.

How do you help people in my community?

Arlington Free Clinic provides access to quality health care for low-income adults in the Arlington community who lack any health insurance. Many of our patients work two and three jobs, are struggling to make ends meet, and are suffering from chronic illnesses. They depend on Arlington Free Clinic to provide the medical care they need so they can take care of their families and function well in the community.

Why do you need my support?

Every gift to the Arlington Free Clinic makes a difference. For every $1 donated AFC provides $4 worth of medical care. The Clinic has over 40 times more volunteers than paid staff. Volunteers operate all clinics and provide all medical services; x-rays and laboratory tests are all donated, making the services provided in the Free Clinic very cost effective. The vision of the Arlington Free Clinic is to keep meeting the needs of the people we serve.  Most recently we have added a Physical Therapy program and a Mental Health program. Physical Therapists now treat our patients who have muscular skeletal problems due to the physical nature of their jobs. Psychiatrists and counselors see over 40 patients a month in the Mental Health program. Many of these patients suffer from depression due to their very difficult life circumstances.

 The Free Clinic services are unduplicated in Arlington County.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Arlington Free Clinic has an exemplary financial management plan that includes broad participation and frequent reporting to the 25 member Board of Directors. The Finance Committee, chaired by the Board Treasurer, is responsible for establishing policy, overseeing financial operations, and reporting to the Board.   The Committee meets monthly to review financial statements, cash flow, and to discuss potential changes in expectations.  Financial statements are also provided to the Board of Directors for review. The Finance Committee selects the auditing firm annually, reviews the 990 and the Financial Statement and receives an in-person report of the financial well-being of the organization from the auditor. This committee works closely with the Executive Director as she establishes the annual budget and manages expenses to stay within budget limits.  Arlington Free Clinic has received an unqualified opinion on the annual audit, the highest rating an organization can receive.  Effective financial management has enabled the Clinic to increase its services each year while ensuring its long-term viability.

Arlington Free Clinic has a donor bill of rights and a donor privacy policy. These documents can be viewed on our website at www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org.

In 2005 and 2006, Arlington Free Clinic was named a finalist for the Washington Post Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Management. The competition finds the best in non-profit management in the Washington metropolitan area and spotlights these winners to the community. The selection committee considered overall management achievements in the following areas: fiscal management, information & communication, organizational development, Board development, people development, planning, resource development, risk management, use of technology, diversity and evaluation.

Can I Volunteer? How?

The success of the Arlington Free Clinic depends on its volunteers. Volunteers operate all daytime and evening clinics. There are many volunteer opportunities at Arlington Free Clinic, both medical and non-medical. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about volunteering, please call Lee Miller, Volunteer Director, at 703-979-1425 x25.