02/26/2026
Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy, resilience, and enduring contributions of Black leaders who have shaped every sector of our society — including medicine and public health. We recognize pioneers such as Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman physician in the United States graduating from Yale in 1864; Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries; and Dr. Charles Drew, whose innovations in blood banking, transformed modern medicine. Their courage and commitment to equity laid the foundation for more inclusive healthcare systems.
As a free and charitable clinic, we recognize that access to care is a matter of justice. Free clinics play a vital role in the local public health system by serving as trusted access points for uninsured, underinsured, and vulnerable populations. We reduce preventable emergency room utilization, improve chronic disease management, support behavioral health, and connect patients to vital social services — strengthening the overall health of our community.
In the spirit of those who broke barriers before us, we remain committed to serving all people with dignity, compassion, and excellence — regardless of race, income, insurance status, or background. Health equity is not just a goal; it is our responsibility.
