Program areas at St. Petersburg Free Clinic
Jared S. Hechtkopf Community Food Bank solicits food products from all segments of the food industry, as well as from groups and organizations through food drives and individual donations. Jared's Food Bank distributes food free of charge to more than 60 partner agencies throughout the community, including food pantries, shelters, community kitchens, missions, residential programs, and childcare centers. Jared's Food Bank collected and distributed approximately 20 million pounds of food in this fiscal year. Over 70% of the food distributed through Jared's Food Bank is fresh produce, protein and dairy. In 2022, SPFC acquired a long-term lease on a warehouse that will be renovated to serve as expanded food bank space expected to be operable in 2023.
Free Clinic Health & Dental Centers offer access to quality healthcare for adults aged 18 - 64 who lack health insurance and meet other income requirements, allowing them to receive primary care, as well as a range of specialty care services. What could become an emergency doesn't because of our patients' capability to connect with our providers to address their health concerns. The Health Center places particular emphasis on the management of chronic health conditions, including diabetes through the Diabetes Education Management Program, our food and Lifestyle Rx Program, and a Prescription Health Program to ensure patients can access expensive medications, like insulin, at no cost. In fiscal year 2022 the Health Center provided 7,860 health and medical services and $2M worth of prescription support to the community. SPFC's Dental Center provides over 2,000 dental services per year.
Free Clinic We Help Services addresses the social determinants of health by providing access to nutritious food; financial support for water and utility bills; and assistance in obtaining driver's licenses, birth certificates, and other documents to secure housing and employment. Client advocates also specialize in providing in-depth navigation for individuals who need access to community services SPFC does not provide. During fiscal year 2022, We Help FRESH Pantry expanded their operations, reopening the Indoor Choice pantry and two new drive-through locations. Through these expansions, SPFC provided 302,000 individuals with food through the FRESH Pantry and specialized partnerships; 50% of households served included families with children. SPFC service expansions also included distributing 15,800 packs of diapers and 19,500 packs of feminine hygiene products to families in need. We Help Services provided $205,000 in water bill support in fiscal year 2022.