top of page

WELCOME
By joining our blog, you'll have the opportunity to comment on articles and stay up-to-date with our latest posts! We value your privacy and promise not to sell or share your information.


Another Comment on the Proposed 2030 Census Rule: How Free and Charitable Clinics Could Be Affected
A short, simple video about the potential effects of a rule proposed by the Census Bureau to change their data collection approaches for 2030. In a previous post, I explained my concerns about the US Census Bureau's proposal to stop collecting race and ethnicity data in 2030 and beyond. I provided a link to the comment I made objecting to this in the Federal Register. I submitted a second, separate Federal Register comment today about another aspect of the Census methodology
4 min read


The 2030 Census Proposed Rule Could Adversely Affect Free and Charitable Clinics
This blog post explains why I submitted a public comment to the Federal Register in opposition to the proposed changes in the 2030 Census.
5 min read


Gems from “Strong Boards Don’t Happen by Accident: Building Effective Board Orientation in Free Clinics”
I was privileged to moderate this session at the 2026 National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Symposium. Suzanne Hoban, MPH, Executive Director, Family Health Partnership Clinic and Sara Nichols, MPH, Executive Director, Open Arms Free Clinic served as panelists. Both panelists were founding directors of their organizations and had worked through transitions with their boards from inception to a clear governance role. Here are the top 10 tips from this sess
4 min read


Gems for Free Clinics from "Lessons from the Capitol: Pivoting Care in the Midst of a Shifting Political Situation"
Brigid Muljo, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, Clinic Director and Patricia Matos-Puentes, MD, Medical Director, work with Catholic Charities' Volunteer Medical Services in Washington, DC. In this blog, I summarize how their clinic continues to evolve amidst changes to Medicaid and expected increased demand for services.
3 min read


A Federal Rule Change Could Quietly Affect Your Local Free Clinic
A dental treatment room at a Charitable Dental Clinic. This week I submitted a public comment on a proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget that would rewrite the federal government's rules for grants and other financial assistance. The rule is broad, and its effect on Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies isn't obvious at first glance. That's because most of these organizations don't receive federal grants directly. On May 29, 2026, OMB proposed
3 min read


The Employers4Care Model: A Scalable Approach to Employer Partnerships for Free and Charitable Clinics
As federal policy shifts and uninsured rates increase, Free and Charitable Clinics across the country anticipate a surge in patients. In the rural community of Dare County, North Carolina, the Community Care Clinic of Dare (CCC Dare) has launched an innovative program to elevate partnerships with employers and narrow healthcare gaps. What we're seeing emerge across the Free and Charitable Clinic movement is a shift: Clinics are positioning themselves not only as healthcare pr
4 min read


Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Redefines Pharmacy Services in Mobile, Alabama
At a time when policy changes are expected to push uninsured rates higher, Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies adapt in practical, creative ways. As Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy celebrates its 25th anniversary, Executive Director Shearie Archer highlighted how innovation and resilience are assuring continued access to valuable health and social services. Ms. Archer has served as the Executive Director since 2008 and overseen the organization's development. Ju
4 min read


Tennessee’s Free and Charitable Clinics Steady Healthcare Access in Preparation for Rising Uninsured Rates
As upcoming Medicaid and SNAP cuts raise alarm bells, Tennessee’s Free and Charitable Clinics (FCCs) stand firm, delivering...
4 min read


Under the Radar: What Proposed CDC Cuts Could Mean for Free and Charitable Clinics
Nearly half of CDC's budget could be cut for FY2026. This would significantly undermine state and local efforts to maintain essential...
5 min read


Protecting Access to Care and Medicaid from Cuts in 2025
U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. At MaryCatherine Jones Consulting, LLC , we are deeply concerned about the proposed legislation...
2 min read


A Bridge Across Georgia: How Free and Charitable Clinics Unite Us in an Uncertain Time
“These clinics aren’t just healthcare providers,” Donna Looper says. “They’re places where dignity is restored, where people feel seen, heard, and valued.”
3 min read


Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
Why They Matter for Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies US Capitol, US Currency, Hospital Emergency Sign, Hospital Staff Pushing...
4 min read


Navigating the 2025 Continuing Resolution: What Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies Need to Know
While the CR generally maintains funding levels from fiscal year 2024, concern remains over the lack of agency direction on fund allocation,
3 min read


Navigating Decreased Federal Support for the Healthcare Safety Net: Insights from Virginia’s Free and Charitable Clinics
The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is assessing the potential impact of legislation affecting its members, including...
5 min read


Ten Powerful Affirmations for Free and Charitable Clinic Leaders
Leading a Free or Charitable Clinic is a role filled with immense purpose. Morning affirmations bring you clarity and inspiration.
1 min read


Grant Writing Tips: Essential Insights for Applicants of the HRSA-25-038 Rural Health Care Outreach Services Grant, 2025
Scenes from a free clinic's community assessment data party, facilitated by MaryCatherine Jones Consulting, LLC. Federal grants like...
2 min read


10 Daily Affirmations for Free and Charitable Clinic Leaders
These affirmations are here to inspire clinic leaders and renew our commitment to the people and communities we serve every day.
1 min read


Considering a Consultant? 4 Tips for Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies
Have you decided to talk with a consultant about a possible project for your Free or Charitable Clinic or Pharmacy? Just as with any...
2 min read


Epidemiologist Is More Than A Job Title
Image credit: Merritt, R., Schooley, M., Wall, H. (2008). Epidemiology is from Mars...Evaluation is from Venus. Accessed on 4/1/2024 at...
2 min read


Empowering Free and Charitable Clinics in the Million Hearts Initiative: A Call to Action
In the quest to reduce preventable cardiovascular disease events across the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
3 min read
bottom of page
