BIFMC Recipient of The Leon Levine Foundation Grant May 2, 2019

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as one of The Leon Levine Foundation (TLLF) Grant recipients for 2019.

The philanthropic foundation, based in Charlotte, NC, considers healthcare proposals from nonprofits improving access to quality care and support services. includes a mission focus area on improving access to quality healthcare. Started in 1980 by Leon Levine (founder of Family Dollar Store), The Leon Levine Foundation’s mission is to improve the human condition by creating permanent, measurable, and life-changing impact throughout the Carolinas. The organization invests in nonprofits with strong leadership, a successful track record, and a focus on sustainability in the areas of healthcare, education, Jewish values, and human services.

The generous gift from Sandra and Leon Levine will enhance Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic’s commitment to the underserved population across the lowcountry who are uninsured and in need of health care. Currently, the Clinic serves over 400 patients a month who are uninsured and either live or work on Johns, James & Wadmalaw Islands or Folly Beach. Following their expansion into a bigger facility – and the generous support provided by foundations such as TLLF – The Clinic hopes to offer free services to thousands more in need of medical attention across the lowcountry.

“We are proud to form a new partnership with an organization so devoted to serving its community with quality care and compassion,” said Tom Lawrence, executive director of The Leon Levine Foundation. “The clinic has an impressive track record of success, with more than a decade of experience serving the Barrier Islands and surrounding areas. We look forward to seeing the clinic’s impact continue to grow in the years to come.”

Clinic Director, Brenda Falls, believes the grant will provide vital funding for the increased demand in medical supplies and expensive equipment as the free clinic continues to expand. “We are so grateful for The Leon Levine Foundation’s support,” shares Falls. “This gift will help to secure the critical medical supplies and care that our patients depend on for years to come, as well as help us to promote our free services to an even greater population without access to health care.”

In addition to the volunteer hours of over 138 medical professionals and staff, the Clinic depends solely on funding via grants and donations from the community to support operations at the 7-exam room facility off of Maybank Highway on Johns Island, SC. The Clinic does not receive any state of federal funding and serves roughly 22% of the uninsured that live or work across the Barrier Islands community. Additional sources of revenue come from the Clinic’s annual golf fundraiser, which will be taking place on May 13th at the Cassique Course at Kiawah Island Club. The Clinic is currently seeking sponsors for the event.

If you would like you make a donation to the clinic to support free health care services for those who cannot afford health insurance, please visit www.bifmc.org.

About The Leon Levine Foundation:

Started by Leon Levine in 1980 (founder of Family Dollar Store), The Leon Levine Foundation’s mission is to improve the human condition by creating permanent, measurable, and life-changing impact throughout the Carolinas. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the organization invests in nonprofits with strong leadership, a successful track record, and a focus on sustainability in the areas of healthcare, education, Jewish values, and human services. For more information, please visit www.leonlevinefoundation.org.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist. The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults living at or below 200 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, James, & Wadmalaw Island or Folly Beach. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.