EBY Q&A

As hippies and radicals flooded into Berkeley during the sixties, the city faced mounting public health problems that ranged from bad acid trips to riot injuries. The Berkeley Free Clinic launched in 1969 to provide no-cost treatment to those who couldn’t afford (or didn’t feel comfortable dealing with) the mainstream healthcare system. 50 years later, this volunteer-driven collective running on a shoestring budget out of the basement of a vacant church is still delivering free medical and dental services to thousands.

Featuring interviews with volunteers Clay Carter and Scott Carroll, who is also a board member, this episode explores the Berkeley Free Clinic’s origins, its evolution, and what other healthcare providers can learn from this model. Anyone interested in learning more about the clinic’s history is welcome to attend the 50th Anniversary Party on Saturday August 24 at Live Oak Park, which will include an appearance by co-founders Susan Cady McAllister & Ellen Koteen.

East Bay Yesterday relies on listener support to survive. If you enjoy the episode, please donate: www.patreon.com/eastbayyesterday

The Berkeley Free Clinic currently operates out of the basement of the Trinity Methodist Church, which has been vacant for years. Because this crumbling building has not been seismically retrofitted, the BFC is now looking for a new home.

Berkeley Free Clinic volunteers, circa 2003.

This 1977 illustration from the BFC’s newsletter illustrates the clinic’s patient-centered philosophy.

Following the passage of Prop. 13 in 1978 which drastically reduced the clinic’s funding, the BFC had to eliminate paid dental positions and now relies entirely on volunteers to provide dental care.

The dragon was chosen as the BFC’s symbol because “throughout the East, the dragon represents life and power.”

BFC volunteers often travel outside of the clinic to engage and treat community members.

Posters inside the BFC promote the clinic’s non-judgemental approach toward issues of sexual health and identity.

Volunteers will be selling t-shirts celebrating the Berkeley Free Clinic at the 50th anniversary party on August 24.

East Bay Yesterday relies on listener support to survive. If you enjoy the episode, please donate: www.patreon.com/eastbayyesterday

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