Clinic by the Bay Opens a New FREE Clinic in SF Thanks to Community Generosity

Clinic by the Bay, one of only two free clinics in San Francisco, has a new beautiful location. Thanks to 5.3 million dollars in donations, the clinic has relocated to a stunning historic building, formerly Alemany Hospital. The new facility, situated just a few steps from its original location. A major upgrade for Clinic by the Bay means a huge upgrade for patients – including a new pharmacy, extended hours and more services.

Clinic by the bay’s new space

“When the Alemany Hospital was slated for closure in 1978, dozens of dedicated healthcare workers protested and staged a six-week sit-in at the hospital,” said Clinic by the Bay Executive Director Sarah Gordon. “We’re reviving that compassionate spirit today – giving new life to a beloved historical landmark by providing our community excellent healthcare free of charge.”

The historic building retains its beautiful brick façade, arched entryway and storefront windows, and the original ambulance bay, now the main entrance. However, what’s amazing about this new space isn’t just the look of it but the way that Clinic by the Bay will be able to reach more of the community and continue to provide vital healthcare services to SF’s underserved.

Clinic by the Bay has been serving the uninsured and underserved within San Francisco for the past 13 years. Since its establishment in 2010, the clinic has been fueled by the commitment of volunteer medical professionals, ensuring vital care for a community in urgent need. Clinic by the Bay is proudly affiliated with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), actively involving retired physicians and nurses.

This new space means that they will be able to offer extended hours and expanded services, including a new dental care service and free pharmacy, vital needs in the uninsured community. The new clinic will offer four medical exam rooms, two consult rooms for non-medical visits like health coaching and counseling, and a dental operatory and pharmacy. The facility will also have designated workspaces for volunteers and staff.  

Who Clinic by the Bay serves – from the Clinic by the Bay site

“Many of our patients come through our doors ill or suffering from chronic diseases that have gone unchecked and undiagnosed for years, and for some, Clinic by the Bay is the difference between life and death,” said Dr. David Goldschmid, Director of Medicine. “Because of our team of nearly all-volunteer retired and working medical and non-medical professionals, we can provide life-saving care for our patients at no cost.”

The transformative journey of Clinic by the Bay reflects the power of community support and generosity. The community has continued time and time again to support the clinic’s mission to provide crucial healthcare services. As the clinic navigates this transformative journey it is a beacon of hope, reminding us that collective efforts can pave the way for enduring positive change in San Francisco.

“I was lost and from another country. I was seeking help and taking care of my mother, and I had no health insurance. I’m so glad Clinic by the Bay gave me help. I was struggling financially and in a lot of pain,” said patient Terisita, from San Francisco. “With Clinic by the Bay, from the front desk to the doctors and nurses, they all serve from their heart. I saw hope after being hopeless.”

Where to find the clinic online:
www.clinicbythebay.org
on IG at @clinicbythebay

Get to know Clinic by the Bay More

a video on Clinic by the Bay if you want to learn more about this amazing organization: