As Medicaid Changes Loom, Where Will West Michigan’s Uninsured Turn for Healthcare?

City on a Hill Health Clinic marks 20 years of free care by bringing the community together for Fuel for Healing on October 3

ZEELAND, Mich. — September 2026 — For many West Michigan residents, living without health insurance is not a new reality. For others, upcoming changes to Medicaid and the rising cost of health coverage may mean entering a whole new world they have never had to navigate before.

Where do you go when you lose insurance? How do you understand your options? And where do you turn when you still need a doctor, medication, chronic disease management or mental health support?

For 20 years, City on a Hill Health Clinic has been one answer for Ottawa and Allegan Counties.

On Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Zeeland-based free clinic will mark its 20th anniversary with Fuel for Healing, a community celebration held at City on a Hill, 100 Pine Street, during Zeeland Pumpkinfest.

The milestone comes at an important time.

City on a Hill Health Clinic provides completely free medical and mental health care to uninsured West Michigan residents. In 2025 alone, the clinic provided more than 4,100 patient visits, including 2,045 mental health visits, welcomed 210 new patients, benefited from 3,180 volunteer hours, and helped provide more than $75,000 in outside medical services for patients.

But the clinic's approach goes beyond what happens inside an exam room.

Housing stability, access to nutritious food, transportation, mental health and healthcare all influence a person's ability to thrive. Across West Michigan, organizations such as Love Your Neighbor, Good Samaritan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Community Action House, Harvest Stand Ministries, The Salvation Army, local churches and many others are working every day to address these needs.

City on a Hill Health Clinic helps address another critical piece: access to healthcare for those without insurance.

The clinic's Certified Community Health Workers can also help individuals and families navigate healthcare changes and connect with resources addressing needs beyond the clinic. With bilingual, bicultural care in English and Spanish, they help reduce language and cultural barriers as well. Clinic Community Health Workers are trained Navigators through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), equipping them to help community members understand options and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system.

“For some of our neighbors, being uninsured is something they have navigated for years. For others, the changes ahead may make this an entirely new experience,” said Shari Garcia CHW “We want people to know they don't have to figure it out alone. There are organizations throughout our community ready to help, and we can help connect those pieces.”

That spirit of connection is also behind Fuel for Healing.

Held during the final day of Zeeland Pumpkinfest, Fuel for Healing will add to a weekend already known for bringing families and visitors into downtown Zeeland for fall traditions, entertainment and community activities.

Fuel for Healing will feature a motorcycle benefit ride led by Crossroad Riders CMA, car show, community Resource Fair, live entertainment, silent auction and raffle, children's activities and clinic tours, as well as a Vendor Market and food trucks hosted by Lakeside Markets.

The Resource Fair will bring local organizations together so families can discover services and resources available throughout the community—reinforcing a simple idea: no single organization can meet every need, but together a community can do much more.

Whether visitors come for Pumpkinfest, the cars and motorcycles, food, shopping, entertainment or community resources, everyone is welcome.

Some may also discover a resource they never expected to need.

The clinic estimates that approximately $51 provides one patient appointment, while the patient pays $0. Its work is made possible through volunteer healthcare professionals and community support.

Businesses and organizations are still welcome to become community partners and sponsors of the 20th anniversary celebration, but the invitation to October 3 is for everyone:

Come celebrate. Come connect. Come discover the resources available in our community.

Because a healthy community supports a thriving community. Whole health matters.

Fuel for Healing — 20th Anniversary Community Celebration

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
City on a Hill | 100 Pine Street, Zeeland, MI 49464
Everyone is welcome.

Fuel for Healing information, event activities and ways to participate:
www.coahm.org/fuel-for-healing

About City on a Hill Health Clinic

City on a Hill Health Clinic provides completely free medical and mental health care to uninsured West Michigan residents. Through medical care, behavioral health services, Certified Community Health Worker support, bilingual and bicultural navigation, and connections to community resources, the clinic works to remove barriers and support whole-person health.