FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2026

City on a Hill Health Clinic Awarded $45,000 Grant to Expand Access to Specialty Medical Care

New partnership with the MAVEN Project will connect licensed volunteer healthcare providers with medical specialists and expand no-cost specialty care options for uninsured patients in West Michigan.

ZEELAND, MI — City on a Hill Health Clinic is proud to announce it has received a $45,000 Health Equity grant from the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) to launch a new Specialty Care eConsult Program in partnership with the MAVEN Project.

As the clinic celebrates 20 years of providing free healthcare to uninsured individuals throughout West Michigan, this grant represents an important step toward expanding access to specialty medical services while continuing its commitment to quality, privacy, and patient dignity.

For many uninsured patients, accessing specialty medical care presents significant challenges, including high costs, limited availability, and lengthy wait times. These barriers can delay necessary treatment or leave patients without access to specialized medical services.

Through the MAVEN Project, City on a Hill Health Clinic will expand its medical resources by connecting its licensed volunteer healthcare providers with specialty physicians across a variety of medical disciplines.

The partnership will allow providers to collaborate directly with specialists on complex medical conditions and expand opportunities for patients to receive specialty telehealth consultations from the clinic's Zeeland location.

These services will be available at no cost to the clinic's providers or patients, removing another significant financial barrier to specialty healthcare.

The program builds upon the knowledge and experience of the clinic's licensed medical professionals, strengthening collaboration, care coordination, and access to specialized services without requiring patients to navigate the healthcare system alone.

Free Healthcare. Uncompromised Quality. Unwavering Dignity.

For seven consecutive years, City on a Hill Health Clinic has earned the NAFC Gold Rating for Quality Standards, reflecting its continued commitment to quality healthcare, patient safety, responsible practices, and patient-centered services.

At City on a Hill Health Clinic, free care does not mean lesser care. Every patient deserves professionalism, respect, confidentiality, and dignity, regardless of their ability to pay.

The clinic's approach emphasizes personal attention and comprehensive care. Its licensed volunteer providers take the time to listen, understand each patient's concerns, and address their needs. The goal is for every patient to leave feeling heard, respected, and confident that their questions have been answered.

The new Specialty Care eConsult Program builds upon this foundation, expanding the resources available to providers while maintaining the personalized care patients have come to expect.

Expanding Access Through Leadership and Partnership

Under the leadership of Clinic Director Christine Plummer, City on a Hill Health Clinic continues to pursue innovative partnerships and funding opportunities that address gaps in healthcare access.

"Free healthcare should never mean compromising quality, privacy, or dignity. Every patient deserves to be heard, respected, and cared for. This grant will provide our volunteer medical providers with access to specialty expertise, helping us address medical needs that have historically been difficult for our uninsured patients to navigate."

— Christine Plummer, Clinic Director, City on a Hill Health Clinic

In 2025 alone, City on a Hill Health Clinic recorded more than 4,100 patient visits, including over 2,000 behavioral health visits, demonstrating the ongoing need for accessible healthcare throughout the region.

The new program will be incorporated into existing clinic services, with provider training and coordination underway in preparation for implementation.

Twenty Years of Caring, and Building for the Future

For two decades, City on a Hill Health Clinic has provided free healthcare to uninsured individuals without income limits or geographic restrictions. The only eligibility requirement is that patients do not have health insurance.

Supported by licensed volunteer healthcare professionals, community donors, businesses, churches, and grants, the clinic remains committed to meeting growing healthcare needs while maintaining the quality, compassion, and dignity its patients deserve.

City on a Hill Health Clinic extends its sincere appreciation to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics for this generous investment and to the MAVEN Project for partnering to expand access to specialty medical care.

Healthy people make healthy communities.

About City on a Hill Health Clinic

Located in Zeeland, Michigan, City on a Hill Health Clinic provides free medical and behavioral healthcare to uninsured individuals throughout West Michigan. Celebrating 20 years of service and seven consecutive years of NAFC Gold Quality Standards recognition, the clinic is committed to removing barriers to healthcare while upholding patient dignity, confidentiality, and quality of care.

Media Contact

Shari Garcia
Certified Community Health Worker | Certified Community Interpreter
City on a Hill Health Clinic
100 Pine Street, Suite 140
Zeeland, MI 49464
Office: 616-748-6011
Cell: 616-594-6534
Email: hc.shari@coahm.org
Website: www.coahm.org/clinic