By Carla Thomas

Clinic by the Bay (CBB), a volunteer-powered free health clinic for the working uninsured, hosted a tour of its new health care clinic in the fully renovated Alemany Emergency Hospital at 35 Onondaga Avenue in San Francisco on Dec. 19. The new facility will offer expanded services including extended hours, a new dental care service and free pharmacy.

“It’s exciting to be putting on the finishing touches to our new, yet historic, facility,” said CBB Founder and Board President Janet Reilly. “We’re so grateful to our volunteers, donors, patients, and the City of San Francisco for their enthusiastic support of this project. They’ve helped bring this vision to life, and we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome everyone.”

As one of only two entirely free clinics in San Francisco, CBB provides healthcare to low-income and uninsured individuals.

The new healthcare clinic, supported by $5.3 million in donations, is just around the corner from their previous home at 4877 Mission Street and has operated for 13 years.

Tours led by Reilly, Director Sarah Gordon and Dr. David Goldschmid, Director of Medicine showcased the $5 million renovation.

The tour provided a preview of the medical exam rooms, consult rooms for non-medical visits like health coaching and counseling, the dental operatory, and the free pharmacy. The facility also has designated workspaces for volunteers and staff.

“Clinic by the Bay fills an essential need by reaching a unique population of families and individuals who do not have access to quality healthcare or qualify for important safety nets,” said Gordon.

CBB is solely funded by foundations and individuals, the organization is completely independent of government money or insurance reimbursements.

As CBB expanded its free services, it outgrew its current space. Through a unique partnership with the City of San Francisco, Clinic by the Bay embarked on restoring the historic Alemany Hospital and returning it to its original use.

The original Alemany Emergency Hospital was opened in 1933 and was part of a network of seven emergency hospitals across the city. It was the last hospital added to the network to serve the needs of the growing Excelsior district and regarded as one of the world’s finest emergency hospital systems. After 45 years of serving the community, the hospital was closed in 1978 and has been vacant ever since. The new restoration retained the building’s traditional brick façade, arched entryway, and storefront windows. The original ambulance bay now serves as the main entrance.

“When the Alemany Hospital was slated for closure in 1978, dozens of dedicated healthcare workers protested and staged a six-week sit-in at the hospital,” said CBB Executive Director Sarah Gordon. “We’re reviving that compassionate spirit today and giving new life to a beloved historical landmark by providing our community excellent healthcare free of charge.”

“Many of our patients come through our doors ill or suffering from chronicle diseases that have gone unchecked and undiagnosed for years, and for some, Clinic by the Bay is the difference between life and death,” said Goldschmid. “Because of our team of nearly all-volunteer retired and working medical and non-medical professionals, we can provide life-saving care for our patients at no cost.”

CBB is affiliated with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) to engage with retired physicians, nurses, and others to provide comprehensive primary care to the uninsured and underserved.

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