Catholic Charities
Free Health Care Center
Volunteer Information
Join Our Health Mission in Pittsburgh
Inspired by Compassion, Healing and Hope
The Free Health Care Center provides a comprehensive continuum of medical, dental, and mental health services to those who have fallen through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus and focused on lasting solutions, we serve our community’s most critical needs with a commitment to compassion and clinical excellence. We serve residents across Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington counties, ensuring that geography is not a barrier to receiving quality care.
Our patient population is uniquely diverse, consisting of the uninsured and under-insured who often face significant financial hurdles. Many of our patients are immigrants and refugees from more than 55 different countries, bringing a global perspective to our downtown practice. By providing a health care home for those whose income falls below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, we prevent minor health issues from becoming life-threatening emergencies and offer dignity to those who might otherwise go without treatment.
We believe that high-quality healthcare should not be a luxury. Our model relies on the integration of primary medical and dental care with specialized services, allowing us to treat the “whole person” rather than just a set of symptoms. Whether it is managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension or providing essential dental rehabilitations, our goal is to bridge the gap to permanent health stability and, whenever possible, help our patients transition toward sustainable health insurance coverage.
Our Impact
Comprehensive Care for a Diverse Population
We operate a full-service health clinic in Downtown Pittsburgh designed to bridge the gap for those without traditional healthcare access.
100% Barrier-Free Care
All on-site services are provided at no cost to our patients, removing the stress of billing and insurance from the exam room.A Global Patient Base
You will treat a diverse population from over 55 countries. We provide interpreter services and volunteer translators to ensure seamless communication.A Volunteer-Powered Model The backbone of our medical and dental care is a network of dedicated professionals and students.
Comprehensive Liability Coverage
Through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), all volunteers are “deemed” federal employees for the purpose of malpractice protection, providing you with full immunity and peace of mind.
Comprehensive Services & Specialty Availability
Comprehensive Care and Active Specialties
Available Services
We offer a wide range of services; however, our ability to provide specialty care is strictly dependent on our active volunteer roster.
Medical Care:
- Care coordination for external labs or pharmacy assistance
- Chronic disease management (diabetes education)
- Pediatrics
- Primary care visits
- Vision care and screenings
- Women’s health
Dental Care:
- Endodontics
- Oral surgery
- Prostheses (crowns/partials)
- Screenings
Seeking Specialists
We are currently looking for dedicated volunteers to help us provide the following services. If you are a provider in these fields, your expertise could bridge a vital gap for our patients.
Medical Specialists
- Advanced Practice Providers
- Audiology
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- ENT
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- General Surgery
- Gynecology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Dental Specialists
- Endodontists
- General dentists
- Oral surgeons
Also Seeking
We are also looking for dedicated volunteers in the following roles:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Medical Assistants
- Patient Care Coordinators
These team members play a vital role in supporting patient care, coordinating services, and helping us meet the healthcare needs of our community.
What We Don’t Provide:
To maintain a safe and focused environment, the Free Health Care Center does not provide the following services:
- Emergent care
- Obstetric care
- Dispensing of medications
- Narcotics prescriptions
Volunteer Expectations
Day-of Logistics for Students and Professionals
If you are a provider our team will verify your licenses, certifications, and background checks to ensure compliance with federal standards. If you are a dental assistant or another support role, we will ensure your clearances are up to date.
Clinical Responsibilities: You will assess patients and develop care plans. You’ll also work with our staff to navigate prescription coverage and financial assistance for those in need.
Professional Attire: Please wear clean, professional scrubs or business casual clothing with your White Lab Coat. Students should follow their specific college attire recommendations.
Essential Equipment: Medical students should bring a stethoscope, and dental students should bring their loupes. All volunteers should bring a notebook.
Provider Workspace:
Medical: Dedicated workroom with computers for charting and coat racks.
Dental: Dedicated workroom with computers; locked closet for personal items.
Kitchen: Full kitchen (microwave, toaster, fridge) available for all volunteers.
Path to Volunteering
Comprehensive Care and Active Specialties
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care. Because we provide federal malpractice protection, the journey to your first shift can take up to 3 months, though it may be significantly shorter depending on your specific credentials.
Attend an Information Session
Register for one of our upcoming sessions (see dates below) to tour the clinic and learn more about our mission.Fill Out an Application
After your session, you will receive a formal application to share your background and availability.Credentialing
Our team will verify your licenses, certifications, and background checks to ensure compliance with federal standards.Onboarding
Once cleared, you’ll receive an orientation to our specific clinical workflows and electronic health records.
Attend a Volunteer Information Session
Discover how your expertise Can change lives in our community
The first step to becoming a volunteer at the Free Health Care Center is attending one of our monthly information sessions. Whether you are a seasoned medical or dental professional or a student looking for clinical experience, these sessions provide a comprehensive overview of our culture, our patient population, and the various ways you can serve. You’ll have the opportunity to tour our Downtown Pittsburgh facility, meet our leadership team, and learn how we support our volunteers through malpractice protection and clinical coordination.
Registration is required. If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, please email us at volunteer@ccpgh.org to schedule an individual session.
Arrival, Parking, and Transit
Navigating Your Way to the Free Health Care Center
Address: 111 Boulevard of the Allies, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Operating Hours: We are open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Note that our phone lines and front desk are closed for lunch from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Parking Options: There are several open lots and garages on the Boulevard of the Allies (approx. $15/day). For street parking, the Go Mobile Pgh app is recommended for easy meter payments.
Public Transit: We are conveniently located near many major bus lines (Bus Stop #2261) and are easily accessible via rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.