STAMFORD – Americares Free Clinics plans on moving its Norwalk clinic to a larger, more modern facility next year, Americares President and CEO Christine Squires announced during the organization’s 30th anniversary celebration.
At nearly 3,000 square feet, the new clinic at 10 Mott Ave. will be more than twice the size of the previous location in South Norwalk, Squires said during the celebration at Stone Hill. The event was marking Americares’ years of delivering free, high-quality health care to Fairfield County’s uninsured.
“It was incredible to celebrate this important milestone — and all of the lives we have made healthier over the past 30 years — surrounded by longtime friends and supporters,” Squires said. “Norwalk was where our program began back in 1994. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to the Norwalk community and look forward to welcoming patients in the new clinic early next year.”
Nearly 150 clinic staff, volunteers and longtime supporters gathered for the event hosted by Americares New York Metro Area Leadership Council Members Alexa and Ward Horton.
Norwalk Hospital, part of the Nuvance Health hospital system, was honored at the event for its three decades of partnership. The hospital has provided medical services valued at $9 million for Norwalk clinic patients for the past 30 years.
“The decades-long relationship between Norwalk Hospital/Nuvance Health and Americares has benefited the people we collectively serve in immeasurable ways,” Norwalk Hospital President Peter Cordeau. “The impact of our shared missions has exceeded our expectations and enriched how we care for our patients and community in ways we never imagined.”
Americares Free Clinics Executive Director Karen Gottlieb, who has been at the helm of the program since its inception, was also recognized at the event for her 30 years of service.
“I am deeply honored for this recognition,” Gottlieb said. “But I did not build this program alone. I am fortunate to have the most committed staff, volunteers, donors and community partners—many of whom have worked alongside me for decades.”
Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, Bridgeport Hospital, Danbury Hospital, Odyssey Group Foundation, Quest Diagnostics and Stamford Hospital were recognized for their longtime support of the free clinics.
Americares Free Clinics Board Member Carol Bauer, who was chair of Norwalk Hospital Board of Directors in 1994 and played an integral role in the launch of the program, was also recognized along with longtime supporter Joan Weisman of Stamford.
Americares Free Clinics provide free, quality health care to nearly 2,000 low-income, uninsured Fairfield County residents annually. Americares is based in Stamford.
