Our Story | Crescent Community Clinic

A Dream Come True

— Dr. Husam Abuzarad, M.D.

How a Small Group of Dedicated Physicians Changed Lives in Hernando County

In 2008, five visionary physicians — Drs. Abuzarad, Reheem, Joud, Ali, and Alashaar — came together with a simple but powerful mission:

To provide free, high-quality healthcare to uninsured adults in Hernando County who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.

What started as a modest walk-in clinic operating three Saturdays a month has grown into Hernando County’s only free healthcare clinic — a true community lifeline.

Our Journey

• 2008 — Founding of Crescent Community Clinic as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• 2011 — Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Blue Foundation, the clinic moved to its current 3,400 sq ft location at 5244 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, with exam rooms, triage, and support spaces.
• 2012 — Expanded with a full Mental Health Department (four offices + counseling rooms).
• 2023+ — Over 120,000 patient visits recorded. That’s roughly 30% of the uninsured adult population in Hernando County.

Today, after more than 16 years, the clinic has surpassed 1 million patient visits — a testament to both the growing need and the clinic’s impact.

Real Impact, Real Lives Saved

Our volunteer physicians and staff have:

• Detected cancers early
• Prevented diabetic amputations
• Stabilized heart conditions and reduced strokes
• Helped patients quit smoking
• Provided mental health support
• Connected patients with diagnostic imaging and specialty care

By keeping people healthy, we reduce expensive emergency-room visits and save local hospitals millions in uncompensated charity care.

Who We Serve

Crescent Community Clinic is Hernando County’s safety net for working adults ages 18–64 who:

• Have no health insurance (including Medicaid or Medicare)
• Meet federal poverty guidelines
• Cannot afford routine medical or mental health care

No one is ever turned away because they cannot donate.

Looking Forward

The need continues to grow. Florida remains one of the states with the highest number of uninsured residents. Crescent Clinic relies entirely on community donations, grants, and the generosity of volunteers — we receive no government funding.

Your support helps us keep the doors open and continue writing new success stories every week.

Get Involved

• Donate — Every dollar goes directly to patient care
• Volunteer — Medical, administrative, or special events
• Partner — Businesses and organizations welcome

“It is vitally important because we have so many people who are uninsured, indigent, and underserved…”
— Christina Reyes, Executive Director

Thank you for being part of our story.