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Stronger Together: Amy Weaver Highlights 20 Years of Partnership at NAFC Symposium

News

Top participant of the A Healthier You program, Deborah Ramsey, attends a regularly scheduled appointment at The Free Clinic of Meridian. Meridian, MS Tues, Nov. 24, 2020 (Photo By Revere Photography for Direct Relief)
By Brea Burkholz

Direct Relief CEO Amy Weaver addressed leaders from free and charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies across the country at the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) 2025 Symposium, held near Denver, Colorado, delivering closing session remarks that honored the network’s pivotal role in providing health care to people who would otherwise go without.

Speaking virtually, Weaver commended the more than 1,400 free and charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies represented by NAFC for their decades of work to make health care accessible to uninsured and underserved patients.

“Some of the most vital, life-affirming health care in this country is being delivered for free — in clinics that receive no federal funding, are often overlooked in policy conversations, and yet continue to care for people others can’t or won’t,” Weaver said. “You don’t do this work for recognition or headlines. You do it because it’s right. And you do it with skill, compassion, and incredible perseverance.”

Weaver underscored the urgency of supporting these clinics as more Americans lose health insurance or face barriers to care.

“We know where they’ll turn — to you,” she said. “And we also know you can’t absorb this growing need alone. That’s why Direct Relief is here — to support you, stand with you, and ensure that your doors stay open and your shelves stay stocked.”

A Partnership Forged in Crisis

Direct Relief’s partnership with NAFC began 20 years ago during the response to Hurricane Katrina, when free and charitable clinics stepped up to provide essential care amid collapsed health systems. That moment, Weaver noted, shaped how Direct Relief operates today and laid the foundation for a collaboration that has strengthened the grassroots health -care safety net nationwide.

Since that time, Direct Relief has provided more than $1.4 billion in donated medical aid to more than 860 free & charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies, helping to keep shelves stocked and services running.

Beyond product support, $19.5 million in cash grants have been awarded to nearly 100 clinics to strengthen health systems, expand equity initiatives, bolster disaster preparedness and response, and invest in resilient power and infrastructure.

Direct Relief has also committed $10.7 million for direct clinic awards and NAFC program management — including its role as lead sponsor of the annual NAFC Symposium since 2014.

Program Highlights

Weaver spotlighted several joint efforts that have emerged from this long-standing collaboration:

  • Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care – Launched in 2022 with Teva and NAFC, the program expands behavioral health services and provides donated medicines for depression and anxiety, along with grant funding for clinics to increase culturally competent care and outreach.
  • Continuity of Care – A multi-year initiative with BD that has supported cancer screenings and follow-up for women’s health at free and charitable clinics since 2017.
  • Equity Expansion Grants – In 2024, Direct Relief committed $1 million over two years to strengthen equity initiatives across NAFC member clinics. Awardees of these grants were recognized at this year’s Symposium.
  • Inhaler Access Initiative – Launched in 2024 in partnership with Teva to provide free generic inhalers to uninsured patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

These programs have helped NAFC clinics — which collectively serve 1.7 million patients through 6 million visits annually with the support of 189,000 volunteers — expand services and strengthen their ability to respond to emergencies.

Shared Values: Health as a Human Right

Weaver emphasized that the most powerful link between Direct Relief and NAFC is a shared commitment to dignity and equity in health care.

“More than any single program, what connects us is a shared belief — that health is a human right, not a privilege. That dignity matters. That everyone deserves a fair chance to live a healthier life,” she said. “You bring that belief to life every single day.”

Closing the two-day gathering, Weaver encouraged clinic leaders to carry the connections forged at the Symposium back to their communities.

“As you return home to your patients and your communities, carry those connections with you — and know that Direct Relief is right there alongside you. We are honored to be your partners, and we look forward to everything we will continue to do together.”

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