Millions of Americans face the daunting challenge of accessing healthcare without insurance. In Florida, the We Care Program Florida steps in to provide a crucial safety net. This initiative, born from the dedication of Capital Medical Society physicians, coordinates donated medical and dental specialty care for low-income, uninsured adults in specific Florida communities. Understanding the mission and impact of the We Care Program is vital for anyone seeking or aiming to support accessible healthcare in Florida.
The We Care Program, officially known as the We Care Network, was established in 1992 by the Capital Medical Society Foundation. Recognizing the pressing need for organized charity care, local physicians sought to create a structured approach to help uninsured adults. This commitment expanded in 2003 with the inclusion of the We Care Dental Network, further broadening the scope of services offered. The core mission remains steadfast: to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of the community by connecting them with essential healthcare services they would otherwise be unable to afford.
The daily operations of the We Care Program Florida are managed by a dedicated case management team, led by the Jean McCully We Care Network Program Coordinator. This team plays a pivotal role in seamlessly coordinating donated specialty medical and dental services. The program serves adults residing in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties whose household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed to those with the most critical needs within these communities.
The We Care Program Florida is driven by several key objectives, all aimed at enhancing community health:
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Improved Health Outcomes: The program strives to significantly improve the health and overall quality of life for adults who lack alternative avenues for obtaining necessary healthcare. By providing access to specialty medical and dental services, We Care directly addresses unmet health needs within the community.
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Efficient Distribution of Donated Care: The program ensures that donated care is distributed equitably among volunteer healthcare providers. This organized system optimizes the contributions of volunteer physicians and dentists, making the most of their generosity and commitment.
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Reduced Community Healthcare Costs: By proactively providing preventative and specialty care, the We Care Program helps to reduce the burden on community resources. Specifically, it aims to decrease the frequency of avoidable emergency room visits and inpatient care, which are often more costly and less effective for managing chronic conditions.
The We Care Program Florida operates thanks to the generous contributions of over 300 volunteer specialty medical physicians and 40 dentists. These healthcare professionals donate their time and expertise to provide essential medical and dental care. Furthermore, the program benefits from the collaboration of all four hospitals in the service area, alongside numerous ancillary providers. Imaging services, home health care agencies, and durable medical equipment providers also contribute donated services, creating a comprehensive network of support for We Care patients. Beyond donated care, the We Care Program extends patient assistance by covering the costs of medications, transportation, and durable medical equipment. This holistic support system ensures that patients can fully adhere to their treatment plans and achieve better health outcomes.
The impact of the We Care Program Florida is substantial and long-lasting. Since its inception, the program has facilitated the donation of over $135 million in medical and dental care. In the recent year of 2023-24 alone, the donated care exceeded $5 million, highlighting the ongoing and increasing need for such services. Both the We Care Network and the We Care Dental Network have been recognized with the prestigious Blue Foundation’s Sapphire Awards. These awards celebrate programs that have made a significant positive impact on health-related outcomes for at-risk populations in Florida. The program’s vital role in the community has also been highlighted in Tallahassee Magazine, further solidifying its reputation and reach.
To access the We Care Program Florida, patients must be referred by their primary care physicians. Eligibility criteria include a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and ineligibility for other programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance that would cover their medical or dental care. For individuals who do not have a primary care physician, there are several primary care centers located within Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties. These centers, listed below, provide care either free of charge or on a sliding fee scale, ensuring access for everyone in need:
Primary Care Centers Accepting New Patients in the We Care Program Florida Service Area:
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In Leon County:
- Bond Community Health Center (850) 576-4073
- Neighborhood Medical Center (850) 224-2469
- Care Point Health and Wellness Center (850) 354-8765
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In Gadsden County:
- Jessie Furlow Medical Center (850) 875-9500
- TMH Family Medicine Quincy (850) 875-3600
- Gadsden Medical and Dental Center (850) 875-9500
- Gadsden County Health Department (850) 875-7200
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In Jefferson County:
- Jefferson County Health Department (850) 342-0170
- TMH Family Medicine-Monticello (850) 997-0707
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In Wakulla County:
- Wakulla County Health Department (850) 926-0400
- Wakulla Medical Center (850) 984-4735
The We Care Program Florida thrives through a public-private partnership model. The financial support from private donors and grants is essential to its continued operation. To support this vital community program, donations can be made to the Capital Medical Society Foundation, Inc., ensuring that the We Care Network can continue to address the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable residents in Florida. Funding partners include Capital Health Plan, Inc., Community Human Services Partnership (City of Tallahassee), Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Florida Dental Association Foundation, and various county health departments and commissions, alongside philanthropic organizations like The Charles A. Frueauff Foundation and The Rotary Club of Tallahassee, and United Way of the Big Bend. These collaborations demonstrate the widespread community commitment to the mission of the We Care Program Florida.
To learn more about the impact of referring and donating providers, you can click here to see a monthly impact report. The We Care Program Florida stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs.
