History of the Free Clinics of the Western Region

In June of 1997, several Free Clinic representatives from Northern California participated on a panel entitled Free Clinic Models & Perspectives. Out of that meeting and with encouragement from Estelle Nichols Avner, President of the Free Clinic Foundation of America, it was decided that a conference of Free Clinics should be organized.

In October of that same year, the first meeting of representatives from Free Clinics from California, Washington and Oregon was held in San Francisco California. Representatives form nineteen Free Clinics of various sizes and budgets shared information, established relationships, and gained appreciation for the unique differences in the way they served their clients and the profound dedication they shared in the belief that these services be proved free.

Since 1997 this all-volunteer driven association has grown in size and viability, meeting once a year and in 2005 incorporating as a nonprofit organization. The Free Clinics of the Western Region continues to grow in membership and sophistication. The primary focus is to provide an opportunity for people associated with Free Clinics to learn from each other, share with each other and assist each other in better serving our respective populations.

Today the FCWR has expanded from Free Clinics in California, Washington, and Oregon to include Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, the largest geographical regional association of Free Clinics in the United States. We meet each year in a different location throughout the region to share innovative ideas, learn about new opportunities to better serve our communities, and to reward ourselves for the work we do.