This Giving Tuesday, give your neighbors access to primary care.
100% of what is collected provides care to your most vulnerable neighbors, right here in New Jersey.
What is Giving Tuesday?
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This year, it’s on November 28th. Although you can choose to support any organization on this day, we’re thrilled you’re choosing to support your local community.
Give access to care this Giving Tuesday.
And it could be the difference in ending a painful infection destroying the quality of someone's life.
It could be the early discovery of a deadly illness before it's too late to cure.
Or the help that gets someone back to work so they can provide for their family.
It could be the difference in keeping someones mom or dad around for a few more precious years.
Whatever amount you choose to give, know that 100% of what we receive from you will be making a difference in the lives of those caught in the cracks of a broken healthcare system.
We believe in a world where everyone has access to quality care.
And our clinic is doing just that, at zero cost to patients in need.
(Watch more stories here on our YouTube channel.)
What is access to care, and why is it important?
Good question! Care comes in many different forms, but it all starts with primary care. (What we do!) That’s where you see a doctor regularly to make sure your health is squared away.
Surprises in life can be fun. But not ones about your health. And most often, the worst illnesses are those that could’ve been easily treated early, but are left to worsen.
So it’s important that everyone see a clinician on a regular basis. Otherwise, a hidden condition may land them in the emergency room. Which has a hefty price tag most cannot afford.
Which brings us to one of the core reason behind why we exist:
Health insurance premiums are through the roof.
And for many, it's useless for anything less than a catastrophe.
But the problem keeps growing...
Most people are $500 away from being in financial ruin.
They're barely getting by. (You've probably felt it yourself.)
It now costs a couple with two young kids over $82,000/year to live in our area.
And that's just to survive.
You're probably thinking that's crazy. But it gets worse...
That was back in 2021.
It's likely even higher now.
Remember when $82k/year meant you had it made?
Our neighbors are living in fear of medical poverty.
25% of Camden County is above the federal poverty line, but below what it takes to survive.
That's 50,289 struggling households, with little assistance available.
And that's just one county. The surrounding counties are just as bad.
That means for our neighbors and co-workers, a trip to the doctor better be worth it.
And carrying adequate insurance is... well... a fantasy.
But it's much worse than that...
The thought of doing something fun gives them anxiety over the possibility of getting hurt.
A sniffle or cough sends them into a panic over what it might be.
When over-the-counter stuff doesn't work for their rash or infection, despair takes hold of them.
They're stuck with tough choices:
1) To ignore their health and suffer,
or
2) visit the Emergency Room and play Bankruptcy Roulette.
What kind of life is that?
Now imagine what that does to their mood and mental wellbeing.
It certainly doesn't make it easier on their family.
Especially their children.
But there’s hope! Cherry Hill Free Clinic is here for those in need of a doctor.
Since we opened in 2017, we’ve seen over 8,000 patients.
Our work has saved the lives of several. And ended a long stretch of suffering for many.
All without charging a dime, thanks to our gracious donors and volunteers.
We started with a small group of volunteer clinicians seeing about 12 patients, one day a month…
and then that quickly grew to twice a month.
A year later, we were seeing patients every weekend.
And now, we operate full time! And still, proudly, free for all.
We started as volunteers. And even until now, our selfless volunteer team helps drive our mission.
Together with our amazing donors, we're giving free primary care to those caught in the cracks of a broken healthcare system.
That means our neighbors who are working hard, but struggling to get ahead can actually sleep soundly and live a normal life, like hundreds of millions of other Americans.
Our patients could be...
- your child's care worker,
- your hardworking parents, not yet on medicare,
- the mechanic who's kept your car working,
- the chef at your favorite restaurant,
- the waitress who makes you feel welcomed,
- your elderly neighbor's home health aide,
- your child's teacher,
- your hotel worker who makes you feel like royalty,
- the landscaper who makes your home look like a palace,
- your HVAC technician that helps keep you cool/warm,
- the first responder who risks their life to save you.
- your electrician — like Mark Smith — who helps keep the powerful voltage running safely to power your home.
In honor of neighborly compassion, would you give today to help us continue to serve more?
Our patients have told us they feel valued again... That access to care is like finally being able to breathe.
We've even heard several tell us that what we're doing has certainly saved their lives.
But instead of me telling you, read for yourself how they feel about our service:
The reward of helping others feels greater than helping ourselves.
Serving is in our DNA. Our team passionately chips away at the healthcare disparity— and it's contagious.
Over 200 volunteers have helped us treat those in need. And more keep joining us. Here’s just a few...
I spoke to one of our nurses, Dana Hughes, who repeatedly volunteers during her only time off. When I asked her why she gave up so much, she said serving patients at CHFC made her feel alive.
Nurse Hughes has family that struggled without insurance, and tells herself that it could one day be her. So her goal is to make every patient feel valued, no matter what it takes.
The beginning of a movement.
Witnessing acts of kindness gives us feelings of joy.
So when word spread about what we're doing, many wanted to help anyway they could.
The news media reported on it.
The Governor came by to visit.
The mayor gave us an award.
A congressman honored our work.
Healthcare organizations supported our cause.
And many gave generously for those in need of a doctor.
Join over 1,000 passionate givers just like you.
With your help, we can provide free access to quality primary care for thousands more...
and then after that, a few thousand more lives...
And we won’t stop until the day where we can finally say...
"No one in our area is suffering from lack of access to care!"
Together, we can honor our neighbors, and show the world just how far a small gesture can go.
And speaking of small gestures, some take it one step further...
Meet "The Branch."
A community of selfless givers who show up every month for the uninsured.
Some give a small gift, some give big.
But what they all have in common is that they help give their neighbors access to care every single month.
To join, simply select “monthly‘ when selecting your amount to give on this page.
Whether you join The Branch community today, or choose to give a one-time gift, know that it goes very far at Cherry Hill Free Clinic
How we go beyond.
By being a pillar in supporting our mission, you help us do far more than just primary care.
We believe in empowering our community with knowledge.
Your donation ensures we continue offering essential health tips, reaching the right people, to keep our community well.
A fit community is a healthy one. With your support, we'll continue offering programs for everyone to embark on a healthier lifestyle journey.
When it comes to understanding medication, your support aids in our education efforts, ensuring everyone uses them safely, and recognizes their crucial role in maintaining good health.
What does your gift of access to care do for uninsured?
It could be the difference in ending a painful infection destroying the quality of someone's life.
It could be the early discovery of a deadly illness before it's too late to cure.
Or the help that gets someone back to work so they can provide for their family.
It could be the difference in keeping someones mom or dad around for a few more precious years.
Whatever amount you choose to give this season, know that 100% of what we receive will be making a difference in the lives of those caught in the cracks of a broken healthcare system.
Because of generous donors like you, we've touched thousands of lives, offering quality primary care services for free. And with your help, we'll keep that number growing.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope.
We know that one day we'll be able to say that no one in our area suffers from lack of access to care.
And we can't wait to celebrate that day with you.
Graciously,
PS: to learn more about our care services, apply to volunteer, view our annual impact report, or just to keep in touch, visit our homepage at CherryHillFreeClinic.org.
I hope you have an amazing season.