Founded in 1993 by a dedicated group of community leaders, healthcare professionals, and volunteers, Friends in Need Health Center was established to expand access to quality healthcare for uninsured and underinsured individuals. The organization's first clinic opened in 1995, laying the foundation for a mission that continues to serve the community with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Today, Friends in Need Health Center provides comprehensive primary medical and dental care to patients across eight counties in Northeast Tennessee and three counties in Southwest Virginia. Through patient-centered care, the organization helps thousands of individuals improve their health each year, manage chronic conditions, and overcome barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
Friends in Need Health Center primarily serves uninsured and underinsured individuals in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, though patients with private insurance may still be eligible — each case is reviewed individually at enrollment. To verify eligibility, you'll need to provide proof of income and residency within our service area. If you have no income to document, simply indicate zero income on your application, and our team will guide you through the rest.
We do not bill medical insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid for medical services — every medical patient pays a simple fixed fee based on household income and size. For dental care, we accept TennCare Dental and Virginia Medicaid Dental for eligible patients; all other dental patients pay our fixed fee.
We provide primary medical and preventive dental care on-site. Vision care, behavioral health, and prenatal services are not available at our clinic, but our team will connect you with the right community resources and specialty providers nearby.
Friends in Need Health Center serves uninsured and underinsured individuals who meet eligibility requirements. Patients must live within our service area of eight counties in Northeast Tennessee and three counties in Southwest Virginia. Eligibility is based on household income, household size, and program requirements.
Yes. Patients are asked to provide documentation to verify eligibility, including proof of household income and residency within our service area. Our team is available to answer questions and assist with understanding acceptable forms of documentation.
Friends in Need does not bill medical insurance. For dental services, we accept TennCare Dental and Virginia Medicaid Dental for eligible patients. Medicare and other insurance plans are not billed for services provided at the clinic.
No. Citizenship status is not an eligibility requirement. Patients must meet our income and residency requirements and provide the requested documentation for enrollment.
Friends in Need Health Center provides primary medical care focused on prevention, wellness, and the management of ongoing health needs. Services include routine checkups, chronic disease management, preventive screenings, women's health services, and coordination of specialty care when needed.
Friends in Need offers comprehensive dental care for eligible patients, including dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, dentures, and other restorative and preventive services.
Friends in Need does not provide on-site mental health or behavioral health treatment. When appropriate, our providers can help connect patients with community resources and specialty services.
Friends in Need providers can prescribe medications when medically appropriate. While we do not have an on-site pharmacy, we help eligible patients access medication assistance programs through community partnerships and pharmaceutical assistance resources.
Friends in Need provides medical care for eligible patients ages 18 and older. Our dental services are available for eligible patients ages 14 and older. All patients must meet our eligibility requirements, including income and residency guidelines.
Friends in Need Health Center provides services in English and offers access to interpretation services when needed to help ensure patients can communicate effectively and receive quality care.
Friends in Need Health Center operates by appointment.
