In Central Vermont, most of us take access to basic healthcare for granted. We expect a doctor’s appointment when we’re sick, a dentist when our teeth ache, and help navigating the social services that make life a little easier. But for hundreds of our neighbors, these services are out of reach. That’s where the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) steps in—offering free medical, dental, and social support services to people who might otherwise go without care.

Every week, PHWC sees patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing difficult circumstances like food insecurity, unstable housing, or chronic illness. Our clinic isn’t just a place for bandages and fillings; it’s a community lifeline. By addressing both health needs and the social factors that affect well-being, we help people stay healthy, keep their families together, and remain active members of our community.

Free clinics like PHWC also save our broader healthcare system money. Treating preventable conditions early—before they become emergencies—reduces strain on hospitals and emergency services. When patients can access dental care, for instance, we prevent infections that might otherwise land them in the ER. When they can see a doctor regularly, chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are managed before complications arise. In short, every dollar invested in free clinics pays dividends for everyone.

Supporting PHWC isn’t charity—it’s common sense. These clinics are staffed by volunteers and funded by local donors, grants, and community organizations. Every donation, every hour of volunteer time, helps ensure that no one in Central Vermont goes without care simply because they can’t afford it.

As Co-op shoppers, many of us care about supporting local, sustainable, and equitable community initiatives. PHWC embodies all of those values: it’s local, it’s community-driven, and it ensures that even our most vulnerable neighbors can live healthy, dignified lives. When we support free clinics, we strengthen the health of our community—and that benefits us all.

The next time you walk past PHWC—or think about someone struggling to make ends meet—remember: health care should not be a privilege. Free clinics make it a right.

Written by Daniel Barlow, executive director of the People’s Health & Wellness Clinic in Barre City. Learn more at www.phwcvt.org