The Charlottesville Free Clinic provided free medical and dental care to more than 3,000 patients in 2025, including more than 1,600 new patients, as rising health care costs continued to push uninsured residents to seek help.
About 40 percent of patients earned less than the federal poverty line—$15,650 for an individual or $32,150 for a family of four. More than three-fourths made under 200 percent of the poverty line, and roughly half earned 138 percent or less.
Executive Director Willa Barnhardt said the clinic is preparing for additional demand as federal cuts to health care assistance take effect.
“We exist so people who fall through the cracks of the health care system can still receive high-quality, compassionate care,” Barnhardt said.
The clinic offers free medical care, dental services, and prescriptions to uninsured and underinsured adults, with no cost to patients. According to Barnhardt, 88 percent of medical clinic patients cannot afford health insurance.
Patient volume has grown steadily. Over the past year, medical clinic visits increased by 19 percent, while dental clinic visits rose by 33 percent.
“As health care becomes increasingly unaffordable, we anticipate serving even more patients,” Barnhardt said. “We are a critical safety net for this community.”
The Free Clinic relies heavily on volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, and community members, as well as donations from individuals. Barnhardt said financial support directly affects the clinic’s ability to meet growing needs.
“Community support truly makes this work possible,” she said.
Barnhardt, who previously worked in marketing, said she chose to pivot her career after having children to focus on community service. She described the clinic as a community-built model of equitable and accessible health care.
“What makes Charlottesville special is how much people care about one another,” she said. “I see that every day through our volunteers and patients.”
Barnhardt said her ultimate goal aligns with the clinic’s mission: ensuring access to health care regardless of income.
“Physical health shouldn’t be a luxury,” she said. “Everyone deserves care.”