Our History

Thirty five years ago, it was difficult to ignore the service gaps that left low-income and uninsured families in Clark County without recourse to care.

When it was learned that 14,000 residents had neither health insurance nor the means to pay for access, the Community Health Clinic was founded to provide free, quality, basic health care to community members.

When the Clinic opened its doors in May 1990 in Clark County Public Health facilities, it was imagined as a weekly, short-term program. It soon became apparent that the need was greater than a temporary solution could fulfill. Within five years, the Clinic staffed nearly 125 volunteer medical professionals and office assistants to run biweekly services. 

In 1999, the Community Health Clinic officially became the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington. Two years later, it was moved into a permanent location at the Jim Parsley Center, which could accommodate the growing number of patients and the resulting expansion of programs.

In 2005, the Free Clinic added oral health to its services, and in 2020 we switched from a walk-in urgent care clinic to a primary care home for our patients. Currently, our services include basic health care, urgent dental care, medication assistance, immunizations, diabetes care and self-management, insurance navigation, and coordination of specialty care in the community through our Project Access program.

Always improving our efforts to offer the best care for our patients, in 2025 the Free Clinic underwent an extensive renovation. This project allowed us to create a modern primary care clinic that is an efficient, comfortable, and functional space for our patients, staff, and volunteers. Today, we have over 150 dedicated volunteers, who with the support of our staff, provide over 4,000 patients visits every year. Our hope is this renovation will allow us to attract more providers and care for more patients in the years to come. 

Learn how you can help the Free Clinic by donating your time, treasure or talent.