The Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) was formed to help strengthen and grow Illinois’ free and charitable clinics – without whom over 40,000 patients would otherwise have no access to quality healthcare. The IAFCC helps free and charitable clinics move effectively into the future; connects patients with clinics; and helps many stakeholder organizations who wish to work with or help clinics. IAFCC is also a member of The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC). Mission IAFCC improves access to quality healthcare for low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured by: Strengthening free and charitable clinics Fostering partnerships Educating the public about free and charitable clinics and Advocating for health policy Vision IAFCC works toward a culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare environment that provides free or affordable, high-quality health services that promote the elimination of health disparities among uninsured and underserved populations. IAFCC aims to: Enhance the sustainability of new and existing free and charitable clinics; Foster growth in free and charitable clinic access points, service lines and patients, especially in areas of high unmet need; Improve the awareness and understanding of free and charitable clinics among external stakeholders and partners, such as elected officials, public health administrators, hospitals, physician practices, federally qualified health centers and the public; and, Define, articulate and manifest the place free and charitable clinics hold in the era of health reform. Values Mission Driven Ethics in Advocacy Strength in Numbers Integrity of Information Commitment to Quality Collaboration and Accountability Diversity of Clinic Models and Patient Populations Focus on effective health policy and healthcare delivery systems