Communicare - a Statewide Volunteer Network of Care Providers

To address the growing problem of access to health care for uninsured populations, Communicare was launched in 1993 to provide care for people in South Carolina who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid but who fall below national poverty guidelines and cannot afford health insurance. Communicare's founders envisioned creating a single source through which health care providers and pharmaceutical companies could donate their resources. This network would make the most of donations by coordinating them, and patients in need of free care would have a single place to turn for help. Today that delivery system brings together more than 2,000 volunteer doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners and pharmacists, along with hospitals, clinics and labs to provide nearly every type of health care, free to Communicare's registered patients.

Communicare strives to help patients maintain and improve their health. Through regular doctor's visits and improved medication adherence, patients actively participate in preventive care. Another goal is to reduce the dependence on emergency departments through a free clinic partnership.

Communicare volunteer providers see, on average, over 10,000 patients each year. Fifty-two percent of these patients need treatment for diabetes and/or high blood pressure. Through its toll free number, Communicare has become a single source for many patients to find the help they need. Many patients who call Communicare say that they did not know where to turn or have been confused by other programs. In 18 months, Communicare has processed more than 84,000 calls on its toll free patient line. In addition, Communicare has helped patients connect with other service programs that can supplement Communicare, such as job service, family counseling, and financial planning programs.