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 providers and fundraisers but as resources to employers who want to support their workforce.

The Problem: Healthcare Access in a Tourism-Based Economy

Dare County's economy is fueled by tourism, with up to 300,000 visitors during the peak months of June through August. The influx of vacationers supports a workforce heavily concentrated in restaurants, hotels, retail shops, and other service industries. Tourism accounted for nearly half of the 12,260 jobs in 2024.

These jobs often pay modest wages, typically between $15 and $17 an hour, and rarely include health benefits.

Meanwhile, the cost of living in this coastal community has skyrocketed, putting additional strain on local residents who serve as the backbone of the tourism industry. "If we don't take care of these workers, they won't be able to stay here," notes Lyn Jenkins, Executive Director of CCC Dare. "And if they leave, the businesses that drive our local economy will struggle too."

Employers4Care: A Sustainable Approach

Launched in 2023, the Employers4Care program partners with local employers to offer no- or low-cost healthcare and diagnostic services to their employees, many of whom cannot afford or access traditional health insurance. By asking employers for a modest annual donation, CCC Dare creates a local and renewable funding stream while connecting workers directly to essential medical services.

"It's a win-win-win," Lyn Jenkins says. "The employer shows they care, the employee gets care, and CCC Dare is sustained. We're not just looking for donations, we're building relationships that keep our workforce healthy and our community strong."

In 2025, 20 employers were enrolled in the program, with each able to ensure its uninsured workers have access to unlimited primary care visits, lab work, and diagnostic imaging through the clinic. This early traction suggests the model resonates with employers seeking affordable ways to invest in their workforce's health.

High Value for Employers

Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, CCC Dare allows patients to access comprehensive care in a single setting:

·         Primary care visits and chronic disease management support ongoing employee health without emergency room expenses that drive up insurance costs and productivity losses.

·         Dental care remains in high demand due to limited access elsewhere in the region, and it's a valued benefit that employers know their workforce needs.

·         Ophthalmology and optometry offer full eye exams and affordable glasses, improving employee productivity and job satisfaction.

·         Behavioral health services, including access to a psychiatrist and mental health counselors, address the social and emotional factors that affect employee wellbeing and workplace performance.

For many patients, these services are available for a low annual administrative fee, ranging from $50 to $220 depending on income, providing unlimited visits, lab work, and even diagnostic imaging at no extra cost. Fees for dental services are based on work performed.

CCC Dare touts the clear benefits of this program to local employers:

·         Helping employees stay healthy and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits

·         Increasing productivity by reducing employee financial stresses

·         Improving job satisfaction and employee retention by providing health benefits

·         Offering nighttime appointments for patients who cannot miss work

·         Reducing sick days by promoting employee health

Building a Healthier Community Through Partnerships

Recognizing that healthcare alone does not create health. CCC Dare addresses the social and economic factors that affect patients in the rural Outer Banks, including transportation to medical appointments and access to nutritious and healthful food.

Food Security

A strong partnership with the Food Bank of the Albemarle allows the clinic to host biweekly food distribution events, where families receive fresh produce, meats, and pantry staples. "It's almost like a shopping experience," Lyn Jenkins explains. "Families leave with a box of fresh, nutritious food that they truly need, especially during the off season when seasonal work slows down."

Transportation

The Outer Banks is a string of remote barrier islands, far from urban centers with major hospitals or specialty care. CCC Dare has stepped in to fill this gap by offering Uber rides and local van vouchers to help patients reach medical appointments.

Peer Learning and Advocacy

Another key partnership that sustains CCC Dare's work is its membership with the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. "The Association is a powerhouse," says Lyn Jenkins, who also serves on the association board. "They connect us to other clinics, share best practices, and even advocate for us at the state level. Their support has been instrumental in helping us innovate and prepare for the changes ahead."

MaryCatherine Jones (left) and Lyn Jenkins (right) at the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Annual Conference.

A Scalable Model for the Safety Net Sector

As clinics across the country explore employer partnerships to diversify funding and extend reach, models like Employers4Care offer a starting point for clinic leaders considering similar strategies. The program demonstrates that a clinic can position itself as a valuable business resource to employers, addressing a genuine community need while generating sustainable revenue beyond traditional grants and foundations.

For clinic leaders in rural or resort economies where significant portions of the workforce lack traditional health benefits, this model is particularly worth exploring. The early success of Employers4Care, with 20 employer partners and growing, suggests the approach has real potential.

Recognizing this opportunity, the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics facilitated a discussion in March 2026 to support its members in connecting with employers. CCC Dare and Helping Hands Clinic presented their employer outreach models in a session titled "Employer Connections:

Positioning Your Clinic as a Business Resource." The presentation materials and Zoom recording are available through the Association.

The win-win-win that Lyn Jenkins described has potential for adaptation and growth among Free and Charitable Clinics that are ready to try a new approach to employer engagement. Learn more about Community Care Clinic of Dare at www.dareclinic.org