Our History

Drs Arthur Booth and Charlie Davis, Co-Founders of Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, a free clinic in Charleston, SC, was founded in 2006 by Drs. Arthur Booth and Charlie Davis. The Free Clinic opened its doors to patients in the spring of 2008 with one mission: to understand and serve the health and wellness needs of the uninsured, low-income adults who lived or worked across the Barrier Islands. Today, that mission has grown: The Clinic now provides a comprehensive medical home promoting dignity, wellness, and health for uninsured Tri-County adults who qualify financially. In the fall of 2024, the Clinic expanded to include uninsured adults across Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties, and has provided over 72,000 free patient visits since first opening its doors.

Our growth has remained steady since 2008. It was a shared vision that by implementing the free clinic model of low-cost, volunteer-driven medical care, we could maintain healthier workers and create a stronger community - and we continued to grow, fueled by the building of a brand new 7-exam room medical building in 2018.

Today, these dreams have come to light – with over with 450+ patients walking through the clinic doors each month. With over 120 volunteer doctors, nurses and support aiding the mission of the clinic, Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic continues to expand and attract talented volunteer medical staff and assistance. Funded by the generosity of individual donors, grants from private foundations, community and religious organizations, and local fundraising efforts, The Free Clinic has received $1.6 million given in-kind services.

Unique to our mission and vision, our clinic goals are to:

• Remain the primary medical home for our patients at no cost
• Provide free comprehensive healthcare
• Recruit and retain highly qualified volunteers

Charleston Cares. BIFMC Covers. Learn more about Patient Services, Volunteer Opportunities, and Ways to Give.