Providence, RI – Rhode Island Free Clinic has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Citizens Champions in Action award, receiving a $50,000 grant from Citizens Financial Group and WJAR NBC 10 in recognition of the Clinic’s commitment to improving health outcomes for uninsured Rhode Islanders.
The annual Champions in Action program honors nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful difference in their communities. Rhode Island Free Clinic was recognized for its innovative medical-home model, which emphasizes comprehensive primary care, chronic disease management, care navigation, and culturally responsive services designed to reduce avoidable emergency room visits and improve long-term health outcomes.
The $50,000 award will support the expansion of the Clinic the hiring of two part-time Community Health Workers. These new team members will help patients navigate the healthcare system, connect with community resources, improve follow-up after appointments.
As Rhode Island’s only free comprehensive medical home for uninsured adults, Rhode Island Free Clinic provides high-quality primary and specialty care, dental services, medications, laboratory testing, and chronic disease management at no cost to eligible patients. The addition of Community Health Workers will further the Clinic’s mission of delivering coordinated, patient-centered care that improves health while lowering unnecessary healthcare costs.
