Our Story

Who we are

At Flagler Free Clinic, our mission is simple but powerful:

To provide high-quality healthcare to the uninsured and economically challenged residents of Flagler and Volusia counties.

Founded in 2005, the clinic was born from both professional dedication and deeply personal experience. Dr. John Canakaris, Flagler County’s first physician, and Faith Coleman, a nurse practitioner who faced a cancer diagnosis while uninsured, recognized a critical gap in local healthcare. Along with Dr. Don Alfonso, they established what was then called the Flagler County Free Clinic with the goal of ensuring that no adult would go without medical care due to financial hardship.

In the early days, the clinic operated just two Saturdays a month, staffed entirely by volunteers with limited resources—but a big vision. Dr. Canakaris passed away in 2012, and Faith Coleman in 2014, yet their legacy continues in every patient we serve.

That same year, in 2014, the clinic entered a new era of growth, hiring its first executive director and expanding operations significantly. We transitioned to an electronic medical records system, increased access to volunteer providers and specialists, and grew our services to meet the evolving needs of our patients.

Today, the Flagler Free Clinic provides over 2,000 patient appointments annually and operates by appointment five days a week, creating a true medical home environment.

Every patient is assigned a primary care provider to ensure continuity and coordination of care across all services—including primary care, dental, specialty care, mental health, labs, medications, and health education.

Our dedicated social work team serves as a vital bridge between medical care and the social determinants of health that impact our patients' wellbeing. Beyond clinical treatment, our social workers address the complex challenges that often accompany health issues, including housing instability, food insecurity, and insurance navigation. We provide personalized assistance with private insurance applications, Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, and connecting patients to essential community resources. Understanding that mental health is integral to overall wellness, our social workers offer counseling support and coordinate referrals to specialized mental health services. Additionally, we recognize that employment stability directly impacts health outcomes, which is why we provide job search assistance, resume building, and connections to local employment opportunities. Through this holistic approach, our social work services ensure that every patient receives not just medical care, but comprehensive support to address the underlying social factors that affect their health and recovery journey.

Our work is made possible thanks to the dedication of over 60 volunteers, including physicians, specialists, nurses, and administrative staff, as well as generous support from private donors, grants, and community partnerships. Together, they bring our mission to life and ensure that compassionate, high-quality healthcare remains accessible to those who need it most.

At Flagler Free Clinic, we believe that healthcare is a human right, and we remain committed to building a healthier, more equitable future—one patient at a time.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

The NAFC Gold Standard rating recognizes our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare for the medically underserved. This national award showcases that our clinic meets rigorous quality standards set by the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.