BayCare and Judeo Christian Health Clinic Provide Health Care Access to Underserved Patients

BayCare Health System has long provided high-quality, compassionate health care to the West Central Florida communities it serves. One of its most impactful collaborations is with Judeo Christian Health Clinic, a Tampa-based nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that uninsured and underinsured individuals receive the medical attention they need. Located minutes from BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, the clinic is uniquely positioned to connect patients with advanced medical services when needed.  

Founded in 1972 by the Rev. Jim Holmes, the clinic opened with hopes of providing access to quality and compassionate health care. Patients do not qualify for government-funded programs like Medicaid or Medicare, and most earn between 100% and 200% of the federal poverty level, making private health insurance unaffordable and leaving many without access to essential health care services.   

Together, BayCare and Judeo Christian Health Clinic have formed a partnership that is transforming lives, improving health outcomes and addressing disparities in health care access. Last year alone, Judeo Christian Health Clinic recorded over 34,000 patient visits, with BayCare’s support strengthening its ability to provide comprehensive care.  

Krista Cunningham, BayCare’s senior community outreach coordinator for Hillsborough County, emphasized the importance of this partnership.  

“BayCare has been a partner with Judeo Christian [Health] Clinic for years and it is one of our legacy programs,” said Cunningham. “Through our Community Health Needs Assessment plans, we identify the most pressing needs of our community and direct resources accordingly. Access to care is a major concern, and Judeo Christian [Health] Clinic plays a vital role in filling that gap.”  

The impact of this collaboration extends far beyond routine checkups. For its patients, Judeo Christian Health Clinic provides a pathway to lifesaving treatments and specialized medical services. Balinda Walker, a longtime patient, shared her story of how the clinic helped detect and address a critical lung condition that could have gone unnoticed.  

“I don’t have health insurance, so being able to come to Judeo [Christian Health Clinic] and receive great quality care has been a blessing,” said Walker. “They found a spot in my lung, got me into the hospital, and had fluid drained that I didn’t even know was there. Without them, I might not be here today.”  

Walker’s experience reinforces the need for free and accessible health care services. Through BayCare’s support, the clinic provides referrals, diagnostics and treatments that patients might not otherwise afford. Like Walker, who was referred to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment, nearly 70 patients have been referred to nearby BayCare hospitals. BayCare team members can also refer patients to the clinic through FindHelp Florida, a website featuring free and reduced cost services to help individuals navigate life including medical care, food, job training and more, for additional resources.   

Another patient, Suyapa Maribel Torres, experienced life-changing care through the clinic. Her story is a testament to the essential role the clinic plays in supporting patients with complex medical needs.  

“This clinic means everything to me,” Torres said through an interpreter. “When I was diagnosed with cancer, the clinic helped coordinate my mastectomy and femoral surgery, and because of them, I didn’t have to go through chemotherapy or radiation. They were able to remove my cancer in time. I’ve always been able to return here for the care I need, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has made a difference in my life.”  

The clinic’s dedicated and compassionate staff drives its success. Damaris Vieira, a nurse practitioner at the clinic, has spent 15 years caring for patients who often have nowhere else to turn. She described the clinic as a beacon of hope.   

“Our patients receive incredible care,” said Vieira. “We make sure nothing is overlooked, and if there is ever an issue, it is quickly addressed. The trust that our patients have in us is something we take very seriously.”  

Vieira recalled a patient with persistent hoarseness who was quickly diagnosed with a tumor on her vocal cord and sent for surgery the very next day. Such rapid, lifesaving interventions are possible through the clinic’s network of volunteer physicians and BayCare’s ongoing support.  

Since joining the clinic in 2007, Executive Director Kelly Hall has seen the partnership with BayCare evolve to meet the community’s growing needs.  

“The clinic started in 1972 with a mission to provide free health care to those who couldn't afford it,” said Hall. “Since then, our services have grown tremendously, and BayCare has been a key partner in this journey. From primary and specialty care to pharmacy, dental, vision and behavioral health, we strive to provide comprehensive health care at no cost to our patients.”  

Beyond primary medical care, the partnership also focuses on chronic disease management and prevention. BayCare funds a healthy living coach at the clinic to help patients manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension. By providing guidance and resources, the program empowers individuals to lead healthier lives.   

As both organizations look to the future, they remain committed to expanding services and reaching even more people in need. BayCare’s continued investment, combined with the dedication of clinic staff and volunteers, ensures that high-quality health care remains accessible to underserved patients.  

“The Judeo Christian [Health] Clinic has stood the test of time for over 50 years because of the unwavering support from our community and partners like BayCare,” added Hall. “We will continue to grow, adapt and expand our services to meet the increasing health care needs of the people we serve.”  

The partnership between BayCare and Judeo Christian Health Clinic is a testament to the power of collaboration in health care.  

“Without BayCare and St. Joseph’s Hospital, we wouldn’t be able to provide the level of care that we do,” Hall said. “Their support in diagnostics, surgeries and specialty care allows us to serve our patients with dignity and excellence.”  

Learn more about BayCare’s Community Benefit work and the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA): Community Health Needs