Crescent Community Clinic in the Era of Health Reform
Still Essential. Still Here.
Even as healthcare policies evolve, one thing hasn’t changed in Florida: tens of thousands of working adults remain uninsured.
Florida has not expanded Medicaid. With one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation, low-income adults with chronic conditions and mental health needs continue to rely heavily on free clinics like Crescent.
We are proud to be Hernando County’s only free healthcare clinic — a vital part of the local safety net for over 16 years.
Our Role in the Community Safety Net
Crescent Community Clinic serves uninsured adults ages 18–64 who:
- Meet federal poverty guidelines
- Have chronic health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, COPD, heart disease, asthma, etc.)
- Need mental health support
We provide comprehensive care at no cost, including:
- Primary & chronic disease management
- Mental health counseling and psychiatry
- Medication assistance (often a full year’s supply)
- Lab work, diagnostics, and specialist referrals
- Smoking cessation programs
- Diabetes education and supplies
By keeping patients healthy and out of the emergency room, we reduce uncompensated care costs for local hospitals — saving the community millions of dollars every year.
The Reality in Florida
- Over 100 free clinics across Florida’s 67 counties
- Member of the Florida Association of Free Clinics (FAFC)
- Fully volunteer-driven medical staff (physicians, psychiatrists, therapists)
- No government funding (federal, state, or local)
- Funding comes from generous donations, small grants, and community partners
In a typical year, we provide 5,000–6,000 patient visits with an operating budget under $100,000 — made possible only by the incredible dedication of our volunteers.
Real Impact
- Early detection of serious conditions (including cancers)
- Prevention of complications from diabetes, heart disease, and COPD
- Mental health stabilization for hundreds of patients
- Free medications worth millions of dollars through pharmaceutical assistance programs
- Dramatically reduced reliance on hospital ERs for non-emergency care
One hospital in our area supports us. We invite more partners to join this life-saving work.
Looking Ahead
Health reform continues to shift, but the need remains strong. Crescent Community Clinic will keep showing up — providing compassionate, high-quality care with dignity and respect.
We are more than a clinic.
We are a second chance for thousands of our neighbors.
“Low-income uninsured people with chronic health conditions or mental health needs are at particular risk… Crescent Community Clinic is their safety net.”
Thank you for standing with us.