Anyone who has visited the doctor or dentist knows that charges can shoot through the roof depending on what procedures are performed and what personal insurance will cover.
Costs can become so high, medical financing brochures have become a common fixture at the receptionist desk. Those without medical or dental insurance are put more in a financial hole, coming out of pocket, sometimes for thousands of dollars.
For those who are uninsured and lack the funding or ability to secure funding, doctor visits and dental work are not an option, which only exacerbates the problem and can have significant effects on health.
Several resources in Cumberland County help with insurance, including the county itself, but with the criteria ever-changing and not accounting for the unhoused and the ability to secure an address, there are still those who walk around uninsured and unable to receive any help from government agencies. In 2022, a report by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 17.6% of North Carolinians were uninsured.
When that percentage is turned into a number, that is 1.9 million people in the state don’t have insurance. Fayetteville is home to an organization that is trying to close the health disparity gap by providing free basic health and dental services to the community.
The Care Clinic is a major resource for community members without medical or dental insurance. The clinic's mission is “to provide free quality health care to the uninsured, low-income adult patients who reside in Cumberland and surrounding counties.”
They provide basic medical care for adults: Dental Extractions, Chronic Care (Diabetes Management), Specialty Services (PT, Ortho, Nutrition), Medications ordered during clinic visits, Clinic ordered laboratory tests or x-rays, Education, and Referral to Other Resources.
What started as just an idea by 5 local health professionals, the mission took fire and gained support from The Catholic Social Ministries, Diocese of Raleigh. After a generous donation of $10,000 by the Diocese, Sister Jean Rhodes and the Daughters of Charity took the helm and combined with the support of 16 community leaders, opened the doors of The Care Clinic on November 16, 1993. They have been serving the community since that day. Located at 239 Robeson Street, the clinic only runs on certain days: every Tuesday and Thursday evening and every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Appointments are made by phone at 910-485-0555 for medical appointments Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon for dental appointments.
Not in Cumberland County? Not a problem. Aiyana Lynch, Development and Marketing Director for The Care Clinic explained, “We service eligible adult residents who live in Cumberland, Moore, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Harnett Counties. When we first started the clinic, it was only for Cumberland County residents and many people do not know that our service area has since expanded.”
Lynch has been with the clinic since March and has enjoyed her work at the clinic.
“I am originally from Elon, NC, and currently live in Pembroke, NC. I am a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe. I have been learning so much about the clinic and the community we serve! I have a strong passion for helping others and expanding my knowledge,” Lynch said of her short but rewarding time. Community members wishing to use the clinic services must meet certain criteria. Those looking for assistance must be an adult resident of Cumberland or surrounding counties, have no insurance, including Medicaid or National health insurance (Ex. ACA), meet an income requirement – household income within 200% of the federal poverty level, must provide household proof of income, must have a valid NC DMV or homeless photo ID, and then must call on the phone to make an appointment.
The Care Clinic is NOT government-funded and relies heavily on donors who give. Lynch emphasized the importance of donors and volunteers to the clinic saying, “The Care Clinic receives no government assistance, we rely solely on the generosity of our donors, grants, and annual fundraisers. To become a CARE Partner, there are many options that you may choose from to help us out. You can also help us by volunteering your time. We can use the following volunteers: Pharmacists, Pharmacy Techs, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Nutritionists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, Chiropractors, and Social Workers.”
Fundraising is important to keep the clinic running and The Care Clinic hosts 3 annual events to raise money; the Care Dinner, Boujee Bingo, and the upcoming Annual Toast of the Town Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, set for September 20th.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.toastofthetownfay.com/. There is also time to become a sponsor or volunteer for this event. Those interested should contact Aiyana Lynch via email at development@thecareclinic.org.
Lynch is grateful for all the volunteers and donors that currently or have supported the clinic in some way.
“We want to thank our numerous volunteers who help our clinic stay running, from the providers, nurses, pharmacy staff, office staff, all the way to the amazing people who come and keep the outside grounds looking beautiful each week,” she said.
Those interested in donating can do so in several ways:
• Individual Donations
Online at http://www.thecareclinic.org/, click the DONATE button
Checks should be made out to The CARE Clinic at PO Box 53438, Fayetteville, NC 28305.
• Honorariums and Memorials
Donations can be made in honor or in remembrance of someone. A card will be sent to the person or family member. If the donation is made during the holiday, they receive a holiday card.
• State Employees Combined Campaign
Campaign code #3746
• Business and Individual
Recommended minimum of $10, the donor receives an acknowledgment card.
• Stocks, Appreciated Securities, Depreciated Securities, Annuities, Trusts, Wills, Charitable Lead Trusts
• Custom Engraved Brick Paver
A custom brick paver will be placed on the sidewalk of the clinic.
Single brick $100, $110 with clip art, $10 off when you purchase multiple bricks
To purchase engraved brick pavers visit the website https://polarengraving.com/thecareclinic
• Giving Tuesday
November 25th- December 4th
For more information on The Care Clinic and the services they provide, visit the website, http://www.thecareclinic.org/.

(Photo: The Care Clinic building is located on Robeson St. in Fayetteville. Photos courtesy of the Care Clinic)