IAFCC Response to FY27 Illinois Governor JB Pritzker State of the State Address

For Immediate Release on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

From the desk of Laura Starr, Executive Director

On behalf of the 37 clinics that make up the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, we applaud Governor J. B. Pritzker’s vision for an Illinois grounded in empathy, kindness, and practical action. His continued commitment to affordability for Illinois residents through initiatives aimed at things like reducing medical debt and expanding affordable housing reflects a deep understanding of the many factors that impact community health. These priorities will directly strengthen the well-being of the communities we serve.

Over the past year, free and charitable clinics have stepped forward to ensure that some of our most vulnerable neighbors could still access high-quality, free or low-cost care when they needed it most. That commitment translated into more than 135,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits for uninsured and underinsured residents. Yet even this number tells an incomplete story. Many immigrant patients missed critical appointments out of fear of detention on their way to seek care. Due to the unique agility of the free and charitable clinics sector, clinics adapted with urgency and compassion by expanding telehealth, transportation support, home visits, and mobile services so patients could continue to receive care safely and with dignity.

Since first receiving state support in FY2023, clinics have more than doubled the amount of care delivered across Illinois, and behavioral health visits have quadrupled. This investment has proven what we have always known: when the state partners with community-based clinics, access expands, outcomes improve, and entire communities grow stronger.

Looking ahead, the fiscal pressures outlined by the Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget — including an estimated $1.7 billion impact on health care costs alone from HR1 and the possibility that 500,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage — underscore the urgency of protecting our health care safety net. Free and charitable clinics are uniquely positioned to absorb part of this strain. Last year alone, a $9 million state investment generated more than $70 million in health care services and emergency department diversions. As demand grows, sustained and increased investment in our clinic network will be essential to prevent gaps in care for the uninsured. This year, to meet the expanded need, the free and charitable clinics are requesting an increase in state funding to $15 million. This will help clinics continue to be trusted, community-based, and culturally competent medical homes for both the immigrant community and other newly uninsured Illinois residents. 

Every day, free and charitable clinics perform quiet acts of courage rooted in love for our neighbors and the belief that health care is a fundamental human right. We stand ready to advance the priorities outlined today and to work alongside the Governor to strengthen Illinois’ health care safety net for all.

In Loving Memory of AJ Barks & Matt Siemer, IAFCC Clinic Executives

For Immediate Release on Wednesday, January 7, 2026

We honor the lives of two extraordinary leaders whose compassion, courage, and commitment to justice changed lives and strengthened our movement.

AJ Barks led with heart, creativity, and an unwavering belief in dignity and access for women and trans people. From her beginnings as a volunteer to her executive leadership role, she built community, expanded care, and made space for others to belong. She had a rare gift for finding her people—and helping them see what was possible together.

Matt Siemer lived with intention and kindness, always asking how to be a good person and how to leave the world better than he found it. Through his leadership at Mobile Care Chicago, he helped grow life-saving mobile health services that now reach thousands each year. He met hard work with joy, purpose, and a generous spirit that will continue to guide those who follow in his footsteps.

Their lives were rooted in service, love, and shared values. Their impact will endure in every patient served, every community strengthened, and every life touched by their work. They will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A joint Mass for A.J. and Matt will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Florissant.

A remembrance of life for A.J. will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Zion Global Methodist Church on Route Z in Cape Girardeau.

If you feel moved to make a donation in Matt and AJ’s memory, please consider:

IAFCC Welcomes Laura Ciresi Starr as Executive Director

For Immediate Release on Wednesday, November 12, 2025

From the desk of Steph Willding, MPA, IAFCC Board Chair & CEO of CommunityHealth on behalf of the IAFCC Board and Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics

The Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Laura Ciresi Starr as Executive Director, to begin December 3rd. Laura joins IAFCC after more than 12 years of impactful leadership at CommunityHealth, where she served as a builder, storyteller, and connector—leading development, communications, and community engagement with vision and integrity.

Laura’s advocacy has already shaped the landscape of care for Illinois residents: she helped secure the first-ever state funding for free and charitable clinics, expanded public awareness of their essential role, and championed partnerships that uplift the entire safety net.

“I am thrilled that Laura will lead IAFCC in this next chapter,” said Steph Willding, IAFCC Board Chair and CEO of CommunityHealth. “She has been an incredible advocate for free and charitable clinics for nearly a decade and a half. Her dedication to our sector, and her commitment to being a connector and a storyteller will be deeply felt by all clinics, their staff and volunteers, and most importantly, their patients.”

As Executive Director, Laura will guide IAFCC’s statewide efforts to strengthen, unify, and elevate Illinois’ network of free and charitable clinics—advancing shared goals in sustainability, equity, and access to care.

“The collective impact of the free and charitable clinic sector blew me away more than a decade ago when I attended my first IAFCC conference,” said Laura Starr, incoming Executive Director. “Free and charitable clinics meet our communities where they are and rise to every challenge. I am honored to follow in Melissa Maguire’s footsteps, raising our sector’s profile in the health care safety net and ensuring that each clinic has the resources necessary to keep meeting their specific community’s needs for many years to come.”

The IAFCC Board and staff extend a warm welcome to Laura and look forward to her leadership in advancing our shared mission—ensuring that every person in Illinois has access to compassionate, community-based care.

IAFCC is Grateful to Melissa Maguire for Dedicated Service

For Immediate Release on Wednesday, July 22, 2025

From the desk of Steph Willding, MPA, IAFCC Board Chair & CEO of CommunityHealth on behalf of the IAFCC Board and Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics

With a full heart and profound respect, I share that Melissa Maguire has made the decision to step down as Executive Director of IAFCC. Her last day will be September 30, 2025. Melissa will be taking a step away from full time, executive level work to focus on personal priorities. While it is undeniably difficult to imagine IAFCC without Melissa at the helm, I am filled with immense gratitude. Over the past five years on this Board, I have had the honor of witnessing her extraordinary leadership, tireless commitment, and deep belief in the power of community.Under Melissa’s guidance, IAFCC has grown from a respected network into a formidable voice for free and charitable clinics across Illinois. Because of her, we are now at tables where our voices were once absent. Because of her, our clinics are expanding, innovating, and deepening their impact. Because of her, the people and places we serve are stronger, healthier, and more seen.

Specifically, Melissa has made a lasting impact by:
– Securing the first ever state appropriation, now entering the fourth year of funding totaling $31M to further the clinic’s potential to expand, innovate, and deepen their impact.
– Solidified our clinics’ impact as a vital part of the safety net health care system in Illinois through partnership, networking, and awareness.
– Built the state association up to a thriving, collaborative team of 6+ staff members.
– Built a thriving AmeriCorps VISTA Program that provided 50+ AmeriCorps service members over 7 years to serve the IAFCC and member clinics in capacity building.
– Led our clinics through the COVID-19 pandemic through funding, advocacy, and unwavering support. 

Melissa has not only led us—she has built the foundation that will carry us forward. Her legacy is one of courage, collaboration, and transformation. And because of that, we are ready for what comes next. Melissa will continue in her leadership capacity through September 30. The Board will keep stakeholders apprised of the search process for Melissa’s replacement and a coverage and transition plan. More to come on these. We will continue to keep our stakeholders informed as updates are available. For now, I invite each of you to join me in honoring Melissa—with deep appreciation for more than eight years of extraordinary leadership, and with confidence that her impact will be felt for years to come.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at swillding@communityhealth.org. 

IAFCC Express Gratitude to the Illinois General Assembly for Investment in Free and Charitable Clinics and Healthcare Affordability Initiatives 

IAFCC Statement on FY26 Illinois State Budget

For Immediate Release on Tuesday, June 3, 2025

From the desk of Melissa Maguire, LSW, Executive Director, on behalf of the IAFCC Board and Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics

The Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC), on behalf of the 48 clinics across the state, wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the Illinois General Assembly for prioritizing the restoration of the $9 million appropriation in the FY26 State Budget for free and charitable clinics. This funding, administered through the Illinois Department of Public Health, ensures medical, dental, and behavioral health care for the uninsured and underinsured in Illinois and recognizes Free and Charitable Clinics as trusted pillars to meet the medical needs of their communities.

IAFCC extends a special thank you to our fierce advocates, Leader Theresa Mah and Senator Karina Villa, who brought forth this legislation and have been consistent voices in support of Illinois’ Free and Charitable Clinics in Springfield for the last four years. Thank you to our champion legislators for dedicating your time and attention to supporting our clinics and for using your considerable influence to bring our cause to your chambers.

We also wish to thank the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee and the House Appropriations- Health and Human Services Committee for hearing our testimony regarding the impact of the sector and for engaging in the important conversation. 

Thank you to all legislators who demonstrated their support through co-sponsorship of HB3018 and SB1237:

House Members:  Chief Co-Sponsors: Rep. Yolanda Morris, Rep. Matt Hanson, Co-Sponsors: Rep. Lillian Jiminez, Rep. Maura Hirschauer, Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, Rep Sharon Chung and Rep Lindsey LaPointe

Senate Members: Chief Co-Sponsors: Sen. Graciela Guzman, Co-Sponsors: Senator Rachel Ventura, Senator Celina Villanueva, Senator Paul Faraci, Senator Laura Fine, Senator Mike Simmons and Senator Mary Edly-Allen 

IAFCC clinics serve a critical role in providing care to Illinoisans who have few, if any, other options. Through shifts in Medicaid coverage, the end of enrollment for Health Benefits for Immigrants, and the arrival of more than 40,000 migrants bussed from the border, our clinics have ensured equitable access to high-quality care. This funding ensures that we can continue serving Illinois communities while we grow and adapt to meet increasing needs.

Congratulations to the General Assembly on passing a balanced budget during a challenging year. IAFCC looks forward to continuing to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health towards health access and equity for every Illinois resident. We understand and appreciate that there will always be an unmet need, given limited resources, and we will continue to do our part to address the needs of the more than 850,000 uninsured citizens of Illinois.

To learn more, visit illinoisfreeclinics.org and locate the clinic nearest you. 

Contact info@illinoisfreeclinics.org for all inquiries 

IAFCC Statement in Response to HBIA/HBIS Pause

With the emergency rules enacted in Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults/Seniors coverage to include the pause on enrolling individuals who are undocumented ages 42- 64, it is critical to note that Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics, located in communities around the state, are poised and ready to provide health care for anyone, regardless of immigration status. The Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics are the trusted health care provider for the uninsured and underinsured; providing medical, behavioral health, dental and pharmacy services. The clinics supply quality health care and have a robust, passionate team of health care providers who create safe and welcoming spaces for all. Historically, the clinics have provided health care to people who are new to the state and those that have resided in Illinois for some time—many being undocumented individuals.

The Illinois Association for Free and Charitable Clinics also raises concerns about Medicaid redetermination and how that will affect those already enrolled in HBIA/HBIS. If HBIA/HBIS policy holders lose their coverage during the redetermination process, they may find themselves unable to re-enroll due to the enrollment pause. The clinics stand firm in their ability and desire to aid those in need of care throughout the state.

February 22, 2024 – IAFCC Response to 2024 Illinois Governor JB Pritzker State of the State Address

From the desks of IAFCC Executive Director, Melissa Maguire and IAFCC Board Chair & Founder/CEO of Champaign County Christian Health Center, Jeffrey Trask

On behalf of the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC), we applaud  the vision of a transformed health care experience Governor JB Pritzker offered in his State of the State Address yesterday. His commitment to provide additional resources for Illinois residents with medical debt, support our unhoused residents and newly arriving migrants, and eliminate the grocery tax and prior authorizations are just a few of the items mentioned that will have a dramatic impact on the 100,000 uninsured and underinsured residents we serve. Throughout the state, Free and Charitable Clinics have seen an increase in patients this past year; many of our new patients have been bussed to Illinois from border cities, seeking asylum from their home country. While moving from COVID to community, we have responded as a trusted provider for medical, dental and behavioral care, in our clinics, mobile vans, and in partnership with other community organizations. 

With so many competing priorities, we recognize that Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly may face some limitations in funding all of the worthy programs at hand. To continue to grow our impact on under and uninsured Illinois residents, we request the State restore funding of $9 million to Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics this year. This funding will be multiplied many times over. In 2023, IAFCC clinics provided over 100,000 patient visits which include prescriptions, screenings, and health education totaling to a conservative estimate of $22.9 million worth of services. With this care, it is estimated that we saved local health care systems more than $40 million by keeping our patients out of the emergency department. We believe these results reaffirm that there is no better investment in the health of Illinois.

We stand with Governor Pritzker in the knowledge that health care is an essential human right, and that everyone should be able to access it in a way they can both afford and understand.  The 52 Free and Charitable Clinics in Illinois stand ready to support the priorities laid out in yesterday’s speech and to work alongside Governor Pritzker to strengthen the Illinois health care safety net.

June 7, 2023 – IAFCC Statement on FY24 Budget Session Closing

from Chair Jeffrey Task and Executive Director Melissa Maguire
The Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) appreciates the serious deliberation and difficult decisions made by the Illinois General Assembly in crafting a budget that is supportive of the populations our 52 clinics serve. As a critical part of the Illinois health care safety net, the IAFCC clinics are dedicated to providing free, comprehensive, high quality, health care to the uninsured and underinsured through mostly donated resources. Due to the support provided by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the members of the General Assembly, the IAFCC was able to distribute nearly $9 million from a first ever State of Illinois appropriation in the current State Fiscal Year to serve a population of Illinois residents in which 100 percent live below the federal poverty level through an estimated 100,000 patient visits that saved Illinois hospitals more than $33 million in emergency room visits, over $20 million in value of donated care for a total of over $53 million. The small investment in the clinics goes along way.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the IAFCC asked for continued funding of $9 million and were appropriated $4 million. With recognition of the tough decisions that were made to make this budget balanced and compassionate, the IAFCC is grateful for the amount received. Thanks to Governor Pritzker signing off on a new $4 million IAFCC appropriation for the upcoming State Fiscal Year, the members of the IAFCC will continue to serve traditional patients while continuing to prioritize helping the state in two key areas – migrant health care and Medicaid redetermination.
IAFCC member clinics and the professionals who work with those clinics have been on the front lines in terms of leadership and direct service provision in helping Illinois address what is now a migrant/refugee health care crisis in our state. Because of constraints placed on other members of the Illinois healthcare safety net, the IAFCC clinics are uniquely positioned to provide direct
patient care that other institutions cannot. During the pandemic, we were active in assisting people in accessing the temporarily emergency Medicaid benefits. But with the sunsetting of those benefits and Medicaid redetermination, we are once again prepared to provide healthcare for those people found not eligible and will be monitoring how we can help them receive benefits from the new Illinois Health Exchange that was approved in this last legislative session.

In closing, the IAFCC expresses deep gratitude to our champions State Senator Karina Villa, Leader Theresa Mah, and Senator Celina Villanueva who continue to be fierce advocates of free and charitable clinics. We would also like to give sincere appreciation to the supporters who co-sponsored our legislation and uplifted the needs of the clinics: (in no particular order) Senator Javier L. Cervantes, Senator Laura Fine, Senator Robert Peters, Senator Mike Simmons, Senator Ram Villivalam, Representative Will Guzzardi, Leader Barbara Hernandez, Representative Lindsey LaPointe, Representative Dagmara Avelar, Representative Matt Hanson, Representative Kevin John Olickal, Representative Kelly M. Cassidy, Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock and Representative Jenn Ladisch Douglass. Without their unwavering support, uninsured and underinsured Illinois residents and migrants to Illinois would suffer.

IAFCC-statement-about-Illinois-General-Assembly-Budget-Session_finalpdf.docx-2-1 Download

Free and Charitable Clinics receive first ever funding from state to provide care to uninsured and underinsured Illinois residents

On Saturday, March 25, the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics received its first grant from the state of Illinois, hand-delivered by Comptroller Susana Mendoza at Aurora Christian Health Center, 615 S. Broadway, Aurora, Ill., at 9:30 a.m. 

Free and Charitable Clinic advocates and supporters, Senator Karina Villa, Representative Theresa Mah, Representative Dagmara Avelar, Representative Matt Hanson, and Representative Barbara Hernandez, were all in attendance and spoke on behalf of the importance of these funds.

Saturday’s check presentation marked the release of the first half of the $9,000,000 granted to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics which is to be dispersed among clinics across the state of Illinois. Comptroller Mendoza led the discussion and ended the remarks in reassuring, “Every penny of this is going to be invested in people…every penny we spend on these Illinoisans is going to keep them out of the emergency room which means that this is truly is an investment, not just in the people that [free and charitable clinics] serve, but the taxpayers… I can attest, as the Comptroller, that this is truly a wise investment”. 

IAFCC’s Response to the State of the State Address by Governor J.B. Pritzker on February 15th, 2023

Advocacy & Policy Efforts

The IAFCC is dedicated to supporting policies that advance our free and charitable clinics. One of the ways the IAFCC works to support policy is through the Advocacy and Policy Committee. The committee is responsible for guiding the Association in advocating for and developing policies that address the health care gaps of the underserved in Illinois. A priority of the committee will be to advocate for policies and resources that support Free and Charitable Clinics in Illinois as a valuable member of Illinois’ safety net. The committee meets every third Wednesday of the month at 11 am and is open to all members.

Past legislation the committee and the IAFCC have helped pass: In January 2022, the IAFCC was part of the collation that passed the Illinois Drug Reuse Opportunity Program also known as I-DROP. This act allows for any health care provider, or practice licensed to possess prescription drugs, such as free and charitable clinics to be able to accept donated prescriptions in the state of Illinois. More information and updates about I-DROP are available at https://www.ilrxdrugrepository.org

Additionally, the IAFCC helped pass changes to the uninsured patient discount act more information can be found on the fact sheet below. For this year 2022, the Illinois House and Senate have passed resolutions that acknowledge August as Free and Charitable Clinics Month the House resolutions can be found here and the Senate resolution here. More information about that can be found on our Free and Charitable clinics month page https://www.illinoisfreeclinics.org/what-we-do/free-charitable-clinics-month/

The IAFCC has acknowledged the importance of behavioral health and has supported policies that have passed both the house and the senate such as HB4645 which includes scholarship funds or loan repayment programs for health care workers (including behavior health workers). Through the work of the behavioral health workgroup, the IAFCC can track policies that advance our behavioral health priorities. All members interested are able to join either the advocacy and policy committee or behavioral health group please reach out to maddy@illinoisfreeeclinics.org