Winter Garden, United States
Shepherd's Hope is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 by Dr. William S. Barnes, senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. It aims at providing free, quality healthcare to the uninsured in Central Florida. The organization has delivered over 350,000 completely free, primary and specialty care visits to individuals with incomes at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, who are uninsured and ineligible for government-assisted healthcare programs.
Shepherd’s Hope not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of the community, but also contributes to Central Florida’s health care economy by reducing the financial burden on hospitals and healthcare providers. It is noteworthy that the average cost of an emergency department visit in Central Florida is approximately $4,600, while a patient visit at Shepherd’s Hope costs the equivalent of $350. This plays a significant role in reducing the strain on healthcare facilities.
As a key player in the Health Care industry, Shepherd’s Hope has become the largest free and charitable clinic in Florida and a nationally recognized non-profit health and human services agency. It directly addresses the issue of healthcare unpredictability by providing essential care to the Central Florida community, with 3,820 patients in 2017 stating that they would have resorted to seeking care at an area emergency department if not for Shepherd’s Hope.
By mitigating the financial impacts of uninsured care on hospitals and healthcare providers, Shepherd's Hope not only improves access to healthcare but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system. This makes it a compelling investment opportunity for organizations and individuals focused on making a tangible difference in the healthcare sector.
