Meeting of Free Clinics

May 2012 -

Allegany Franciscan Ministries partnered with the Health Council of South Florida to bring together all of Miami-Dade’s free clinics in late May.   The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for representatives of the clinics to get to know each other, share their most significant challenges and needs, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. Over twenty free clinic directors and their staff, including physicians and dentists, attended.  Also in attendance was Colleen Robb from Medshare, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, that collects and distributes surplus medical supplies and equipment free of charge to nonprofit healthcare facilities.  Medshare is interested in exploring the possibility of opening a warehouse and shipping facility in Miami, an ideal location given the number of free clinics, community health organizations and other NGO’s in Miami-Dade, the Caribbean and Latin America that could greatly benefit from this service. The participants were so pleased to connect at the luncheon that they’ve asked to meet on a regular basis.  For information about future meetings, please contact: Ms. Manivone Douangdara, Health Council of South Florida, at manie@healthcouncil.org.