Our history

In 1986, Jessie Bryant, saw a need for quality medical care at no-cost to her uninsured neighbors. 

What started as Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center in a small church basement, quickly grew. The need for services outgrew the space as volunteers (clinic was strictly run by volunteers in the beginning) realized more than just Washington County residents were coming to the free clinic. Residents from Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison and Sebastian counties as well as bordering Oklahoma and Missouri were making the trip to stand in line to be seen at the one day a week clinic.

The clinic would make three moves from its original location to land at the current location in 2013. What was once the Washington Regional Center for Exercise on Woolsey Avenue was renovated and remodeled by world-renowned architect, Marlon Blackwell. The clinic provides services in a 10,000 square foot LEED certified space on the campus of UAMS, Northwest.

We grew from a one day a week clinic to one that operates five days and one evening a week. We started with volunteers only but added paid staff members and expanded our services.

Since 1988 the clinic has performed dental extractions to relieve pain and discomfort.