Free Clinic Appreciation Awards
What Is Free Clinic Appreciation Month?
Each December, the Charitable Healthcare Network celebrates Free Clinic Appreciation Month (FCAM) to honor Ohio’s free and charitable clinics' vital role in building healthier communities. Established by the Ohio Legislature, through H.B. 320 of the 130th General Assembly, FCAM highlights the care, compassion, and commitment of clinics that provide essential health services to people who might otherwise go without.
Free and charitable clinics are often the first line of care for individuals and families without access to traditional healthcare. They provide primary and preventive services, dental and pharmacy care, chronic disease management, and vital referrals — all regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
By spotlighting this work, Free Clinic Appreciation Month raises awareness of the challenges and successes of these clinics, encourages community involvement, and reinforces the importance of sustaining a strong healthcare safety net in Ohio. It’s a reminder that accessible, quality care isn’t a privilege — it’s a cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities.
Free Clinic Appreciation Month Awards
In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health, CHN recognizes exceptional individuals and organizations through annual Free Clinic Awards. Categories include Free Clinic of the Year, Physician, Nurse, Pharmacist, Dentist, Volunteer, Advanced Practice Provider, Clinic Staff Member, and Community Partner of the Year.
Each year, the award recipients exemplify the values that define our network: service, resilience, and a commitment to accessible, high-quality care. Their dedication ensures that more individuals and families can access the care they need, regardless of circumstance, and their stories inspire all who share in our mission to build a healthier Ohio.
2025 Free Clinic Appreciation Award Winners:
Free Clinic Staff of the Year: David Dickson, OD | Victory Ministries Center of Hope - Columbus, OH
Free Clinic Volunteer of the Year: Tom Pike, LPN | Grace Clinics of Ohio - Marion, OH
Free Clinic Dentist of the Year: David Grammel, DDS | Physicians CareConnection - Columbus, OH
Free Clinic Advanced Practice Provider of the Year: Mark Yoder, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-C | Viola Startzman Clinic - Wooster, OH
Free Clinic Nurse of the Year: Karen Frey, RN | Hope Clinic of Ross County - Chillicothe, OH
Free Clinic Physician of the Year: Diana Pi, MD | Lorain County Free Clinic - Lorain, OH
Free Clinic Pharmacist of the Year: Joshua Pearson, PHARMD, RHP | Health Partners Free Clinic - Troy, OH
Free Clinic Community Partner of the Year: Zion Solutions Group | in partnership with St. Vincent De Paul - Cincinnati, OH
Free Clinic of the Year: Good Neighbor House | Dayton, OH
Free Clinic Appreciation Awards Reception
April 29, 2026 | 5:00-7:30 PM
Tickets $25/person or $150/table of 8 | includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
