HISTORY

Helping Hands is a group of volunteer health professionals who have provided free healthcare to the poor and homeless in Gainesville, Florida since October, 1989. The clinic is staffed by social workers, registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, physicians, and community service volunteers. Over the years, there have been 15,000 clinic visits with over 4,200 individuals seeking care. More than half those served are homeless, ranging from months to decades on the streets.

We have received recognition for our work including a Citation in President’s Volunteer Action Award Program in 1993 and the Governor’s Points of Light award for making a significant contribution to the community in 2006.

2009 Statistics
2177 Visits
25.4 Patients/night (Mon)
19.7 Patients/night (Thur)
436 Patients
54% Male / 46% Female
1167 Medical Visits
314 Psychiatric Visits
388 Acupuncture Visits
 

Brendan, a clinic volunteer registering a patient to be seen by the medical staff

2008 Statistics
1371 Visits
37 Patients/night
399 Patients
66% Male / 34% Female
873 Medical Visits
238 Psychiatric Visits
258 Acupuncture Visits
 

2007 Statistics
1173 Visits
25 Patients/night
282 Patients
65% Male / 35% Female
671 Medical Visits
200 Psychiatric Visits
217 Acupuncture Visits

Helping Hands Clinic is supported in part by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners & the Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida.