Virginia Free Clinics Seek State Funding to Meet Rising Demand

Lawmakers' support could help clinics continue providing affordable care to uninsured and underinsured residents.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ashley Greene, executive director of the Western Tidewater Free Clinic and board member of the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, argues that Virginia's free clinic network is an important part of the solution to rising healthcare costs and uninsured populations. With demand for their services remaining high and costs increasing, free clinics are urging the state legislature to contribute $15 million in funding to support their operations and allow them to serve more patients.

Why it matters

Free clinics play a crucial role in providing affordable, high-quality healthcare to uninsured and underinsured Virginians, helping to keep patients out of costly emergency rooms and prevent medical issues from escalating. However, the loss of the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits and changes to Medicaid threaten to increase the number of uninsured Virginians, putting more pressure on the state's free clinic network.

The details

The Western Tidewater Free Clinic, founded in 2007, served 1,690 patients in 2025, consistent with the previous year's record high. Clinics across Virginia have seen similar increases in demand, even as their operating costs have risen for everything from staffing to supplies. The clinics' boards have had to approve deficit budgets, a trend Greene says is unsustainable. Proposed state funding of $15 million could help clinics continue serving their communities and reducing the burden on hospital emergency rooms, which can cost upwards of $2,500 per uninsured visit.

  • In 2025, the Western Tidewater Free Clinic served 1,690 patients.
  • The clinic's board recently approved a deficit budget for the second year in a row.

The players

Western Tidewater Free Clinic

A nonprofit clinic founded in 2007 that provides high-quality and accessible healthcare to people with Medicaid or without health insurance living in Suffolk and Franklin, as well as Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry and Sussex counties.

Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

A statewide organization representing more than 70 free and charitable clinics in Virginia dedicated to providing compassionate care to underserved communities.

Ashley Greene

The executive director of the Western Tidewater Free Clinic and a board member of the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics.

Sen. Mamie Locke

A Virginia state senator who has proposed budget amendments to invest critical funding to support free clinic operations.

Del. Rodney Willett

A Virginia state delegate who has proposed budget amendments to invest critical funding to support free clinic operations.

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What they’re saying

“If uninsured populations go to the emergency room for care, hospitals are required to treat them, which can cost upwards of $2,500 for a single visit.”

— Ashley Greene, Executive Director, Western Tidewater Free Clinic (dailypress.com)

“There's no doubt our lawmakers have difficult budget decisions ahead of them, but supporting the state's free clinic network is a smart strategy with big returns.”

— Ashley Greene, Executive Director, Western Tidewater Free Clinic (dailypress.com)

What’s next

The Virginia General Assembly's House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees will meet to compromise on a state budget that could include $15 million in funding for free clinics across the state.

The takeaway

Free clinics in Virginia play a vital role in providing affordable, high-quality healthcare to uninsured and underinsured residents, helping to reduce the burden on hospital emergency rooms and keep communities healthy. With demand for their services rising and costs increasing, state funding support could allow these clinics to continue serving their important mission.