WeCareJax coordinates compassionate specialty healthcare with individualized support for our uninsured neighbors in need.
WeCareJax envisions a community where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
WeCareJax launched in 1993 with support from volunteer physicians of the Duval County Medical Society to improve access to specialty health care for low-income and uninsured patients. Today an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it brings together doctors, hospitals, community clinics, and other partners to improve the health and well-being of the people of Duval County. In the last fiscal year, WeCareJax coordinated nearly $30 million dollars in donated health care for more than 1,800 uninsured neighbors living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
By matching volunteer specialty care providers and hospital partners with carefully pre-screened patients in need of care, WeCareJax helps meet a critical gap in healthcare access. These are the patients who otherwise would not receive care or would seek episodic care in emergency rooms, the most costly and least effective care for most chronic conditions and complex diagnoses like cancer. Working with community partners and dedicated health care volunteers, WeCareJax helps patients not just survive but thrive.
More than 13% of Duval County residents between the ages of 18 and 64 do not have health insurance. They work hard in one or more low-paying jobs with no health benefits. Even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the need for better access to health care services remains. Many simply can’t afford insurance and still afford other basic items such as food, clothing, and housing.
Without Medicaid expansion in Florida these individuals often face life-threatening health issues with nowhere to turn. WeCareJax remains committed to matching patients in need with caring volunteer providers and to developing innovative programs that improve health care access in our community.
To qualify for participation in WeCareJax, patients must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Note: A patient may be experiencing homelessness or living in Duval County without legal residency status and still qualify for care.
Wrap-around support can make the difference for a patient who needs medical care. The wrap-around support that WeCareJax focuses on is:
We have 500 volunteer specialty care physicians and providers across 36 specialties.
WeCareJax partners with all of the Duval County free clinics and federally qualified health centers. JaxCareConnect can help patients find the clinic that is right for them.
Patients receive bi-weekly fresh produce & nutrition deliveries throughout active treatment. We also support with prescription assistance and providing medical ancillary supplies (radiation creams, wound care supplies, lymphedema sleeves, wigs, & more).
Once active treatment is completed, the patient enters a surveillance program. Those patients transition out of produce deliveries and into our nutrition partnership program with Feeding Northeast Florida. This program provides fresh produce and pantry essentials, as well as, mental health resources, nutrition education, and case management appointments.
The Health & Wellness Program is designed to assist individuals who are uninsured and have chronic conditions. This program helps them establish care with a primary care provider, set health goals and provide education about their condition, and evaluate and assist with any wrap-around support the patient may need.
JaxCareConnect is a joint collaboration created by the local nonprofit safety net of free and charitable clinics to assist uninsured adult Duval County residents find a primary care medical home. In addition to establishing primary care, they evaluate the whole person and explore other barriers to healthcare in order to support best possible health outcomes.
JaxCareConnect is a jointly-managed program by: