The Community Care Clinic of Franklin has been providing primary, preventive, and acute care to Macon and surrounding communities since 2010. Currently housed within the Macon County Health Department, the clinic serves as a medical home by providing free healthcare to uninsured or underinsured low-income patients. Many of our patients have chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or heart disease. They cannot afford to see a physician and often cannot afford the medications they need to control their medical problems; without services, many would end up hospitalized, with more serious problems, and unable to work to support themselves and their families.
In addition to healthcare, a Medication Assistance Program is available that provides life-saving medication at little to no cost to patients. From January – May 2024 alone, the clinic provided access to quality primary healthcare in more than 400 clinic appointments and provided more than $175,000 worth of medications.
The heart of The Community Care Clinic is patient care. We believe everyone deserves quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. A recent medical report shared that more than half of the United States population will dip below the poverty line at some point before the age of 65. Many North Carolina residents may find themselves without health insurance at one point or another in their life – which can be a scary experience. We are here to help.
Whether you are between jobs; work without receiving employee benefits; or, do not qualify for the new Medicaid expansion – there are so many reasons why our patients may not have access to healthcare for a span of months or even years.
Over the years, I have found that many people do not realize that a free clinic is available to provide a safety net during times of financial or professional insecurity. Our free clinic model is a community resource to support healthy outcomes for those who are experiencing financial hardships.
The Community Care Clinic of Franklin operates just like regular primary care offices. Your visit will be confidential just like it would be at any other medical facility. It is common for our patients to see the same provider at every appointment. Our providers are trained to address a range of specialties and health issues from diabetes to other chronic diseases and more – for free.
It is a misconception that free clinic patients are unemployed, unproductive, or “seeking handouts.” Around 75% of the patients we treat have at least one job, and many hold as many as three jobs at one time. Despite working long hours, many of our patients do not receive work benefits and are also caretakers, spreading their income thin. There should be no stigma with seeking free healthcare – it’s best for the community as a whole.
In May 2024, The Community Care Clinic of Franklin was recognized for its dedication to providing quality care to patients. The Community Care Clinic of Franklin, Inc. earned a 2024 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Quality Standards Program.
The Community Care Clinic of Franklin will be hosting its Second Annual Tastes Good! Sounds Good! Fundraiser on Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Lazy Hiker in Franklin. We are excited to bring our community together for a day of great food, fun music, and laughter all while supporting our 501(c)3 nonprofit. In addition, this family-friendly event will also have silent auctions, raffles, and children’s activities. There is no entry fee.
If you would like to help make a difference in the health of your community, we hope you will consider making a financial contribution to The Community Care Clinic of Franklin. Funds will be used to support the day-to-day operations of our clinic in addition to helping purchase medical supplies and equipment. Donations are tax-deductible.
We currently have two day clinics (Tuesday and Friday) and two evening clinics (Monday and Wednesday); however, the need for more clinic appointments continues to grow. Through the support of our community, donors, small business owners, and grantors, The Community Care Clinic is able to provide medical supervision, access to medications, and needed laboratory tests all free of charge to our patients.
For more information or to set up an appointment, please call (828) 349-2085 or email [email protected]. Donations can be mailed to The Community Care Clinic of Franklin at 1830 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, N.C. 28734 or made on our website at www.communitycareclinicfranklinnc.org.
The Community Care Clinic of Franklin is proud to serve our community. We encourage you to join our mission through donating, volunteering, and/or helping promote our services – either through active conversation with people or businesses in our community or by sharing our information via social media. Our staff and trained volunteers are experienced and compassionate and simply want to provide healthcare to those who do not have coverage.
We understand that a happy, productive, and safe community begins with healthcare for all – and everyone deserves the dignity of healthcare.