More than a decade ago, founders Dr. Hunt, Dr. Alan Michels, Dr. Alfonso Munoz and Jerry Peyton saw the need for free or low-cost health care for the uninsured. The doctors agreed to volunteer at the clinic in addition to their regular practices and on-call duties at the hospital.

They also help train medical practitioners in the art of “whole person care,” which tends to both the body and the spirit. It’s the only place in town where uninsured patients are never turned away regardless of their ability to pay, although the clinic does have a waiting list for appointments. The clinic provides affordable health care, well-women exams, and well-child checkups. Their website states “Increasing numbers of people are being priced out of health care and insurance. Many, including expectant mothers, children, and elderly are going without primary health care. Gila County has the second lowest number of physicians per capita in Arizona.”

Sixty percent of the clinic’s budget comes from Rim Country residents’ tax credit money. The remainder comes from grants and donations. The clinic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and designated charity for the Arizona tax credit for the working poor. It depends upon the financial support of the community to keep the doors open.