Clearwater Free Clinic celebrated the opening of its new Ruth and J.O. Stone Wellness Center on Oct. 8, marking a major expansion of health services for uninsured residents as demand for care continues to grow.

Nearly 200 supporters, volunteers and community partners attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 8,500-square-foot facility at 1212 Court St., next to the nonprofit's existing medical clinic.

The expansion follows a sharp rise in new patient enrollment. In fiscal 2026, the clinic enrolled 428 new patients, a 91% increase from the previous year, and served 1,113 patients overall, up 18%, according to the clinic's official announcement.

Board Chair Carole Matyas described the center as "an important step forward in our mission to care for the whole person and support healthy, fuller lives for the people that we serve," according to the Tampa Bay Times.

New center expands therapy, nutrition and preventive care

The wellness center adds behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, music therapy and space for wellness programs.

A demonstration kitchen will host nutrition education and healthy-cooking classes, while the BayCare Community Food Clinic, operated in partnership with St. Pete Free Clinic, will connect patients and families with nutritious food.

The building also includes case management offices and the Jeannie Shapiro Community Room, named for the clinic's former CEO, who led the organization for 26 years.

During the Oct. 8 celebration, guests toured the new facilities and learned about programs designed to help patients manage chronic illnesses, improve their physical health and access emotional support.

The expansion is intended to more than double the clinic's behavioral health program, providing additional space for counseling and related services.

Community donations fund nearly $7 million expansion

The wellness center is the centerpiece of the Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign, a $7 million fundraising effort supporting the building's purchase, renovation, equipment and expanded patient services.

The campaign had raised more than $6.8 million toward its goal ahead of the opening, according to Tampa Bay Beacons.

The Ruth and J.O. Stone Foundation provided an early major contribution, helping launch the project.

Founded in 1977, Clearwater Free Clinic provides free medical care to eligible uninsured residents of Pinellas County through donations, volunteers and community partnerships.

The nonprofit does not accept government funding. Its services include primary and specialty care, medications, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and referrals.

Rising demand highlights need for affordable care

The clinic recorded 2,278 chronic-care visits and 1,879 behavioral health visits in fiscal 2026, increases of 24% and 18%, respectively, from the previous year.

Demand has also grown for food assistance. The clinic's food program served 645 households in September, reaching approximately 2,000 people, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

CEO Anthony Degina told Spectrum Bay News 9 that the new center will allow the organization to offer services over a longer period and expand wellness programs to patients' family members.

Clinic patient Steven Larson, who moved to the Tampa Bay area four years ago without health insurance, told the station that the nonprofit helped him receive treatment for complications from a stroke and skin cancer.

"We moved here with no job and no insurance, so we didn't have anywhere else to turn," Larson said.

Clinic officials also reported that 98% of patients surveyed said they stopped using emergency rooms after receiving care through the nonprofit. The figure is based on patient reports rather than independently verified hospital utilization data.

The new wellness center is designed to build on those services by addressing nutrition, rehabilitation and preventive care alongside traditional medical treatment.

Residents seeking eligibility information, appointments or volunteer opportunities can visit ClearwaterFreeClinic.org.