Healthcare leaders, providers, and advocates gathered August 11 at Northwestern Medicine’s Bronzeville Outpatient Center for Advancing Access: Strengthening the Healthcare Safety Net in Illinois, a panel discussion held as part of The Night Ministry’s 50th Anniversary celebration and in recognition of Free & Charitable Clinic Awareness Month.

Moderated by Carol J. Sharp, President and CEO of The Night Ministry, the conversation focused on the critical role free and charitable clinics play in providing healthcare access to people who might otherwise go without care. Panelists included Dr. Amish Desai, Chief Medical Officer of Population Health at Northwestern Medicine; Derek Ma, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Clinical Supervisor at The Night Ministry; and Laura Ciresi-Starr, Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC).

As healthcare needs continue to grow, panelists emphasized that free and charitable clinics are a vital part of Illinois’ healthcare safety net, serving individuals facing barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation challenges, housing instability, and other social determinants of health.

Since establishing its Outreach and Health Program in 1988, The Night Ministry has prevented thousands of emergency room visits and hospitalizations by bringing healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Those efforts have generated more than $20 million in savings for Chicago-area hospitals and the Illinois healthcare system while improving health outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

“Free and charitable clinics are among the most effective investments we can make in healthcare access,” said Laura Ciresi-Starr, Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics. “Even with the approximately $9 million our network receives from the state, Illinois’ free and charitable clinics save the healthcare system more than $70 million every year. Demand continues to grow, and additional funding is needed to ensure clinics can continue meeting community needs. These organizations have become experts at doing more with less, creating strategic partnerships that stretch resources, improve patient outcomes, and help maintain financial stability while serving more people.”

Dr. Amish Desai, Chief Medical Officer of Population Health at Northwestern Medicine, highlighted the importance of collaboration between hospitals and community providers.

“Hospitals have an important responsibility beyond the walls of our facilities. Supporting free and charitable clinics is one of the most effective ways to improve community health because these organizations often reach people long before their conditions become medical crises. Through strong partnerships, we can expand access to preventive and primary care, address barriers to treatment, and help create a more sustainable healthcare system for patients and providers alike.”

Panelists also discussed the importance of meeting people where they are.

“Many of the people we serve cannot easily access a traditional medical environment because they may not have an ID, a permanent address, transportation, or they fear judgment based on their circumstances,” said Derek Ma. “Whether we’re providing care through our CTA outreach efforts or supporting individuals one-on-one in the community, we bring healthcare directly to people where they are. Just as importantly, we build trust and connect them to the broader resources and support systems they need.”

The discussion reinforced the importance of sustained investment, strong partnerships, and innovative community-based care to keep healthcare accessible to all Illinois residents.

“Access to healthcare is a shared responsibility,” said Carol J. Sharp. “By working together across sectors, we can strengthen the healthcare safety net and ensure that every person has the opportunity to receive the care they need and deserve.”