2023 VFRC Annual Report

Click here to download a printable PDF of the 2023 VFRC Annual Report.

Free Medical Care & Health Services for Vermonters in Need

Dear Reader,

Vermont’s Free & Referral Clinics (VFRC) is a coalition of nine clinics whose mission is to serve Vermonters in need. What began in 1995 as The Vermont Coalition for the Uninsured, VFRC has grown into a well-connected, impactful organization that is a crucial resource for many Vermont communities. All of the patient care our clinics provide is always free.

As you browse through this report, we hope you’ll notice the many community collaborations and valuable partnerships we’ve established to deliver care to more people in need. Despite limited resources, our clinic teams and hundreds of volunteers work steadfastly to address the complexities of health in our communities.

In 2023, VFRC received an impressive 40% increase in legislative grant funding. This increase allowed us to address the needs of thousands of Vermonters during a challenging year of extreme flooding, rising costs, and the end of pandemic-era medical programs.

Our progress would not be possible without the support of our incredible volunteers and partnerships. Thank you.

Our team at the Vermont Statehouse in March, 2023. For every dollar invested by the Vermont legislature, our clinics save Vermont $9.70

Our Impact

Vermont’s Free & Referral Clinics are like Vermont itself – small but mighty. The positive impact we have on healthcare in Vermont is tremendous (see column) and our
services are always free for patients.

Each clinic is an independent organization that uniquely serves its community. We have two models for care delivery.

Free-standing clinics provide a range of medical, dental, and mental health services on-site, as well as case management, insurance navigation, financial assistance, and referrals to specialty services.

Referral clinics provide case management, insurance navigation, financial assistance, and care coordination within their hospital’s system.

Clinic leaders exhibit at the Statehouse in Montpelier.
Running for a cause. Community members and clinic staff
brave the cold for a successful Fun Run fundraiser last winter.

The value of these services in avoided Emergency Room and hospitalization charges is an estimated $7.9 million.

Olivia Sharrow, MPH – Executive Director