ACORN FAQ

What does ACORN stand for?

Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs, Inc.

What is ACORN Clinic?

While a large academic medical center and several other community hospitals are located in Alachua County, ACORN is the only provider of care in the northern, rural section of Alachua County. Each year more than 100 physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and dental hygienists volunteer their time to provide approximately $1.5 million in patient care, including specialty care and mental health counseling.

The UF Colleges' of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Health Administration, and Pharmacy, in addition to the Santa Fe Dental Hygiene Program and private physicians and dentists provide many services to the Clinic. The students in these programs are in a unique position to gain real world experience while providing high-quality, low cost health care to patients without insurance or financial resources to pay for their medical needs.

Who does ACORN Clinic serve?

ACORN serves four primary rural counties: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia and Union, however, in the year 2005, the clinic provided care to families in 18 counties. ACORN Clinic patients are 67% Caucasian, 24% African American and 8% Hispanic. 80% of ACORN Clinic patients are at or below 120% of federal poverty guidelines.

How is ACORN funded?

ACORN Clinic, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, participates in Medicare, Medicaid, Primary Care and receives funding from the United Way of Alachua County, Suwannee Area Health Education Center, Alachua, Bradford and Union county commissions, patient fees, civic groups, churches, foundations, and private donors.

How can I get involved?

ACORN is unique in that physicians, dentists, nurses, therapists, and dental hygienists volunteer over 14,500 hours each year to deliver over one and a half million dollars in patient health care services. In addition, community volunteers donate time and services in the form of landscaping, computer expertise, public relations, painting, architecture and contracting services.

Why is my support important?

ACORN Clinic is a non-profit organization that serves the north-central Florida region and depends on the support of individuals like you for its continuing success.

Don't I already support ACORN with my tax dollars?

No. ACORN is a non-profit organization that is funded by Medicare, Medicaid, Primary Care and receives funding from the United Way of Alachua County, Suwannee Area Health Education Center, Alachua, Bradford and Union county commissions, patient fees, civic groups, churches, foundations, and private donors.