Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Emily Hall—Bringing Clarity and Compassion to Clearwater Free Clinic
When Dr. Emily Hall first heard about Clearwater Free Clinic, it wasn’t through an ad or a professional connection—it was through one of her own patients. Inspired by the patient’s story and the Clinic’s mission, Dr. Hall didn’t hesitate.
Thank You Grant Partners
Thank you DeBartolo Family Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Sue & Jim Petru and the Schoenbaum Family Foundation for your commitment to helping us Build Healthy Communities!
Welcome New Faces
Join us in welcoming Gwen (Front Office Manager), PJ (Medication Room Nurse), and Mel (Discharge Nurse) to the CFC Team!
Dr. Bishara: Bringing Compassion and Cultural Connection to Clearwater Free Clinic
For Dr. Mariane Bishara, volunteering at the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) is more than just a way to give back—it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in compassion, connection, and community.
Dr. James Chow: From Chicago to Clearwater – A Volunteer Journey
Dr. James Chow’s commitment to community health shines through his work at the Clearwater Free Clinic. After relocating from Chicago, where he practiced in the bustling western suburbs, Dr. Chow was searching for opportunities to continue using his skills in a meaningful way. His journey began when he discovered two free clinic options online – Clearwater Free Clinic and another in Saint Pete – and he chose to offer his expertise at Clearwater.
FindHelp.org: A Valuable Resource for Our Patients
FindHelp.org is an incredibly easy-to-use website where anyone can enter their ZIP code and instantly browse resources available in their community. I often recommend it to our patients because it simplifies the process of finding support.
Honoring the Legacy of John H. Meek Jr.
John H. Meek Jr. was more than a board member—he was a passionate community activist whose dedication to the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) left a lasting impact. For many years, John devoted his time, energy, and leadership to ensuring the clinic's growth and sustainability, helping to expand access to essential medical and behavioral health care for those in need.
The Low Down on Carbs
When you are grocery shopping it is easy to grab the first thing on the shelf! However, every single food item you put into your body has a different nutritional value. We don’t really know what we are putting into our body until we read our nutrition labels! Certain foods could be advertised as “healthy” and “organic” however, some foods can have high levels of carbohydrates!
February is Heart Health Awareness Month – Paul’s Story
This Heart Health Awareness Month, take a moment to learn how Clearwater Free Clinic is making a difference for patients like Paul.
Mary’s Legacy: A Lifelong Commitment to Care
Her journey began in the most unexpected way—with a simple conversation with her neighbor, Connie McLaughlin, a former Clinical Director. “I don’t know anything about primary care,” Mary told her when she was first approached to volunteer. “I only know about labor and delivery.” When Connie confirmed that labor and delivery weren’t part of the clinic’s services, Mary assumed she wouldn’t be much help. But Connie reassured her: “Oh yeah, there’s always something you can do.”
Staff Spotlight: Janet’s Dedication to Clearwater Free Clinic
Now, as Janet prepares to move to Georgia, she leaves behind a clinic she deeply loves. “If I wasn’t moving, I wouldn’t be leaving at all,” she said. While she’s exploring opportunities in hospice care and possibly volunteering at a local clinic, she promises to stay connected. With family in the area, she’ll be back to visit—and she won’t hesitate to pop in to check that Clearwater Free Clinic is still running a tight ship.
Capturing the Magic: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Photographers
The Martinis + Matisse party was a night of creativity, connection, and celebration—a true feast for the eyes and soul. As we reflect on an evening filled with inspiring art, delightful conversations, and unforgettable moments, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing photographers who generously donated their time and talent to capture every magical detail.
Highlights from the Safety Harbor Mini-Golf Pub Crawl
We had an absolute blast at the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation Links For Our Library Mini-Golf Pub Crawl & Golf Cart Cruise-In Street Festival over the weekend! A huge thank you to the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation, our sponsor Gigglewaters Food Trucks, and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a creative, fun-filled day
Welcome Maureen
The Clearwater Free Clinic is excited to welcome Maureen Green, APRN to the Clinic's team. Maureen has worked in the medical field her entire life. After graduating high school, Maureen began as a nurse's aide and continued her education to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in 2008.
New Case Management Position
Austin, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, joins The Clearwater Free Clinic full-time in a grant-funded case management role. With experience as an EMT at Sunstar Paramedics, Austin is passionate about helping patients navigate social determinants of health, including housing, transportation, and access to government assistance.
Honoring a Legacy: Nearly Three Decades of Service to Clearwater Free Clinic
"Surround yourself with the right people, build a strong foundation, and stay focused on the mission—that’s how you create something that lasts." - Steve Bouton
Martinis, Matisse, and Memorable Moments: Recapping the Event of the Year
What do you get when you mix fabulous art, delectable martinis, and Clearwater’s most spirited crowd? You get Martinis + Matisse 2025, of course! Held on January 18 on the FrankCrum campus, this year’s event wasn’t just a celebration—it was the most attended Martinis + Matisse in history. With record-breaking crowds, plenty of surprises, and a whole lot of heart, it’s safe to say this was a night to remember!
Dr. Taunk’s Legacy of Service at Clearwater Free Clinic: 30 Years of Compassionate Care
Discover how Dr. Taunk built a network of support to provide free gastrointestinal care and why he calls his work at the Clearwater Free Clinic “pure giving.”
M+M’25 Honorary Chairs: Tom and Kelly Nash!
The Clearwater Free Clinic is thrilled to announce Thomas and Kelly Nash as the 2025 Honorary Chairs of Martinis + Matisse, benefiting the Clearwater Free Clinic!