Thrive
Clearwater Free Clinic celebrates new wellness center
A grand opening ceremony was held Oct. 8.
For Clearwater Free Clinic CEO Anthony Degina, the Ruth and J.O. Stone Wellness Center is not only an extension of the nonprofit’s work. It’s a way to provide an array of services under one roof for patients.
A grand opening celebration was held Oct. 8. The 8,500-square-foot facility is adjacent to the organization’s main building on Court Street in Clearwater.
Established in 1977, the Clearwater Free Clinic provides health care to low-income, uninsured residents of upper Pinellas County. In addition to office visits, patients can receive medications, lab work, x-rays and specialty referrals. These services are provided at no cost to individuals who cannot afford private care or do not qualify for government assistance.
“The Clinic itself is a primary and speciality medical home,” Degina explained. “We typically get patients who are employed. So, they make too much money and can’t qualify for Medicaid. But, they may be working three part-time jobs or something of that nature.”
In fiscal year 2026, the Clinic served 1,113 unique patients, which is an 18% increase over the previous year. Additionally, it enrolled 428 new patients. The organization has over 160 volunteers, including approximately 60 physicians and healthcare providers.
“This represents an expansion of our wellness commitment to the communities that we serve,” he said. “This is an opportunity to build on what we call the healthy living programs.”
The Ruth and J.O. Stone Wellness Center in Clearwater.
Degina explained that the Clearwater Free Clinic has “doubled the size” of its behavioral health counseling service. Additionally, the organization has “increased the frequency” of its physical therapy program and has introduced occupational therapy and exercise initiatives, such as yoga and stretching classes. The nonprofit also provides arts and music therapy experiences.
Additionally, the facility has space for chronic disease education, wellness workshops, group programs and community partnership initiatives.
He added that the organization oversees a food pantry in partnership with BayCare Health System and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. In September, the clinic served 645 households, or 1,924 people.
“In this new wellness center, we have a demonstration kitchen,” Degina said. “So, we will be able to offer classes where we shop in the food pantry and then go upstairs and cook it in a healthy way to really close that loop on living a healthier lifestyle.”
The team is exploring additional services to introduce over time. He explained that “we really want to give our patients the opportunity, once they get well physically, to stay well and learn some of the things that can help them.”
The Clearwater Free Clinic began to use the center in late July. The project was at the heart of the nonprofit’s $7 million Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign. According to a prepared statement, the effort “supported the purchase, renovation and outfitting of the facility as well as expanded programs and patient services.”
Previously, the building was used for commercial office space. Among other updates, Degina and his team had to install an elevator on the property. The refurbishment process began in July 2025. A majority of the work was completed by June of this year.
Clearwater Free Clinic website
