Free & Charitable Community Clinic
Accessible care for every community member
Our Free & Charitable Community Clinics provide basic no-cost medical care, screenings, and wellness services for uninsured and underinsured residents across Chicagoland. Using patient-centered standards from PCOR methodology and the Integrative Health framework from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), our clinics and volunteers support the clinical, behavioral, and social needs of the community while working toward the national Healthy People 2030 goals.
Clinics in action
Serving patients across Chicagoland
Worry Free Free Clinic
Sundays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
389 Schmale Rd, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Be Well Community Clinic
Tuesdays, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Oak Lawn, IL
Clinic services
Coordinated care built on collaboration
Our model combines primary care, preventive health, and holistic wellness under one roof. Providers collaborate across nursing, behavioral health, and social work disciplines to ensure every patient receives personalized care. We also partner with nutritionists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and other integrative practitioners to meet community demand for Alternative Medicine options for those that cannot afford.
This partnership-driven approach helps eliminate health disparities and promotes health equity by addressing both medical and social determinants of health.
Moving toward holistic health
Integrating conventional and complementary care
Recognizing the demand for holistic and culturally sensitive care, the Be Well Community Clinic incorporates the NIH Integrative Health approach, which brings conventional and complementary practices together. Integrative health combines multiple interventions — such as medication, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, yoga, and nutrition — to treat the whole person rather than individual symptoms. Our hope is that patients with less resource access can apply this holistic model of care into their own lives.
By embracing this model, Worry Free Community ensures that patients receive care that reflects their values, traditions, and long-term wellness goals.
Clinic background
From telehealth to in-person community care
The Worry Free Free Clinic began in 2019 as a telehealth program created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It offered uninsured individuals an alternative to emergency room visits while supporting safe self-care at home. When vaccine drives in 2021 revealed a strong local need for in-person care in Oak Lawn, Worry Free Community partnered with Al Nahda to launch the Be Well Community Clinic (BWCC).
Today, BWCC operates as a collaborative effort between Worry Free Community, Al Nahda, and the Advocate-Aurora Family Practice Residency Program. With added support from lab and pharmacy partners, the clinic continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of patients while maintaining Worry Free Community’s mission of measurable impact and sustainable resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about our free clinics
Who can visit the Free & Charitable Community Clinic?
Our clinics serve uninsured and underinsured residents across the Chicagoland Area, including Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Oak Lawn, and nearby communities. Patients of all backgrounds are welcome, and services are provided at no cost. The clinics focus on individuals and families who face financial or social barriers to care. Everyone is encouraged to call ahead to confirm eligibility or ask about specific services.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are highly encouraged so our care team can plan for your visit and ensure the right provider is available. The Worry Free Free Clinic operates on select Sundays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Carol Stream, and the Be Well Community Clinic is open Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Oak Lawn. Walk-ins may be accepted if space allows, but calling in advance is the best way to secure your spot. Please refer to our online calendar or contact us for the latest schedule.
What types of services are available?
Both clinics provide primary care consultations, wellness checkups, and preventive screenings, along with nutrition counseling and behavioral health support. Patients can also receive help with health coverage enrollment and referrals to local social services. Through our partnerships with nutriionists and other integrative health practitioners, we offer complementary care options that align with cultural and individual needs.
Who provides care at the clinics?
Our volunteer care teams include licensed physicians and residents from the Advocate-Aurora Family Practice Residency Program, and volunteer providers from various health disciplines. We also collaborate with nurses, behavioral health specialists, and community health workers who extend support beyond clinical care. This multidisciplinary model allows us to address medical, mental, and social health needs holistically.
What makes the Be Well Community Clinic different from other free clinics?
Be Well Community Clinic uses a patient-centered, evidence-based model that integrates the NIH’s Integrative Health framework and PCOR (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research) standards. This means care is informed by both clinical expertise and community input. The clinic is designed not just to treat illness but to build long-term wellness by connecting patients to resources that improve overall quality of life.
