Lake County clinic earns top recognition in caring for those in need

A quaint clinic in Eustis, designed to serve some of Lake County’s most vulnerable residents, has just earned a major national distinction.

The AdventHealth Waterman Community Primary Health Clinic received a Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the highest recognition awarded to clinics caring for uninsured adults.

The recognition affirms what patients have long known: that this clinic delivers more than just medical care. It offers trust, stability, and a place to turn when options are few.

Each week, the clinic welcomes about 60 uninsured adults, many of whom have delayed care due to cost or lack of access. Some arrive with unmanaged chronic conditions, while others are facing new or unexpected health concerns without anywhere else to turn.

At the clinic, they receive free, non-emergency care, screenings and help connecting to services like food, housing or transportation — all provided by a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers and support staff.

“This rating is especially meaningful, as it speaks to the true needs of our community—where poverty and uninsured rates are higher than average and access to quality care can make all the difference for the people we serve,” said Edlyn Fernandez, clinic manager. “They come because they’ve run out of options, and they leave knowing they aren’t alone. They’ve been heard, helped and treated with dignity.”

To earn a Gold Rating, clinics must meet strict national benchmarks in clinical quality, safety and community engagement. They must also demonstrate how they help patients avoid unnecessary ER visits and access broader social support that impacts health.

This work reflects broader efforts at AdventHealth Waterman, which has identified access to care, health education, and service coordination as top local needs. The clinic plays a key role in closing that gap by offering consistent, trusted care and connecting patients to services beyond the exam room.

“This clinic gives patients a steady place to turn, and that kind of consistency matters,” said Dr. Stephen Young, clinic medical director. “We’re not just checking vitals. We’re asking questions like, ‘Can you afford your medications?’ Do you have a safe place to sleep?’ That’s what whole-person care looks like.”

The clinic is supported through a combination of AdventHealth funding and charitable gifts from community partners and donors. As part of a not-for-profit health system, AdventHealth reinvests surplus funds into expanding access to care and improving outcomes for the community.

“This place changes lives every day,” Dr. Young said. “It’s where people rediscover their hope. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful medicine we can offer.”