How a hippie-era free clinic went corporate without changing mission
The Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic in San Francisco was founded in 1967 as a “refuge” for those addicted to heroin. A half-century later, it’s part of a multi-million dollar system serving 40,000 patients—but to those who work there, the counterculture roots haven’t disappeared.
Kaiser Health News reports the clinics are still committed to treatment in a “nonjudgmental atmosphere,” even after the consolidation into HealthRIGHT 360, with $110 million in annual revenue.
“They speak your language, know your culture, understand the situation you’re coming from,” said Ben Avey, assistant director for external affairs at the California Primary Care Association.
For more on the clinic's take on care delivery and how it has maintained its principles through a changing healthcare landscape, read the full article below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.