The Clearwater Free Clinic has opened an 8,500-square-foot wellness center on Court Street as patient demand surges at the nearly 50-year-old nonprofit.

The Ruth and J.O. Stone Wellness Center, at 1212 Court St. next to the clinic's existing facility, adds behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, music therapy and a food clinic run in partnership with BayCare and St. Pete Free Clinic.

The building also includes a demonstration kitchen for nutrition education and flexible space for chronic-disease workshops. It was funded entirely through donations, launched with a gift from the Ruth and J.O. Stone Foundation.

Patient enrollment jumps 91% in fiscal year 2026

The clinic's fiscal year 2026 numbers show the demand. The clinic treated 1,113 patients, up 18% from the prior year, and enrolled 428 new patients, a 91% jump, according to the Tampa Bay Beacons. Chronic-care visits rose 24% to 2,278, and behavioral health visits climbed 18% to 1,879.

CEO Anthony Degina told Spectrum Bay News 9 the center lets the clinic extend the duration of services it offers patients. He said the clinic also plans to open wellness programs to friends and family members of enrolled patients, expanding its reach beyond its current roster.

The clinic reports that 98% of its patients say they stop using emergency rooms after enrolling. That figure is self-reported by patients and cited by clinic officials.

Steven Larson, a clinic patient who moved to the Tampa Bay area four years ago without health insurance, said the clinic has treated him for complications from a stroke and skin cancer over the past six months.

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

Donor campaign nears its $7 million goal

The wellness center is the centerpiece of the clinic's Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign, a $7 million effort that has raised more than $6.8 million. All of the clinic's buildings have been acquired through donations rather than government funds.

Clinic recruits volunteers ahead of Oct. 8 ribbon-cutting

Founded in 1977, the clinic serves uninsured residents of mid- and north Pinellas County and is largely volunteer-run. It is actively recruiting licensed medical specialists, including chiropractors, optometrists and orthopedic specialists, as well as front-office and food-clinic volunteers. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least six months. Details are available at clearwaterfreeclinic.org.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the wellness center. The event is by invitation only.