The Ithaca Health Alliance was founded in 1997. Our mission is to facilitate access to health care for all, with a focus on the needs of the uninsured.

Ithaca based video production company, Moving Box Studios has created a video short about the Ithaca Health Alliance's Ithaca Free Clinic project, and the story of one of our patients. The video has aired on Current TV. Follow this link, or search on Current TV's site for "Free Health Care" added September 12, 2008.

Since our founding, we have applied the contributions of our members judiciously to create a sustainable model of community-oriented, community-driven, solutions to the ongoing healthcare crisis. Today, with hundreds members throughout the state of New York, we have three primary programs which are conducted by the Ithaca Health Alliance (IHA):

Ithaca Health Fund The Ithaca Health Fund was established to provide financial assistance for the costs of health care. Through the fund, IHA provides grants to IHA members to help with specific categories of preventive and emergency healthcare expenses. The Fund also offers members interest-free loans for dental procedures, eye care, or for improvement of professional health services (health care provider members only). Through the IHA Community Grants program, small grants are offered to other groups doing health-related work.     Fund grants are available to all general and provider members of IHA (New York state residency required, as below). Educational Programs The Alliance offers educational programming to our members and the general public. Informal classes, lectures, and guest speakers are offered throughout the year; other events are scheduled as they arise. We offer resources in the waiting area of our offices and Free Clinic, which everyone is welcome to browse through. We network with experts in all fields of health in order to help our neighbors learn about the wealth of health options available. Our quarterly newsletter provides information about different health subjects, and other educational resources, in addition to news of the organization.

Ithaca Free Clinic The Health Alliance opened a free health Clinic in downtown Ithaca on January 23, 2006. The Ithaca Free Clinic (IFC) provides 100% free healthcare services to the un- and under-insured residents of Tompkins County and the surrounding region. IFC is a medically integrated facility where volunteer health professionals provide both conventional and holistic medicine services to clinic visitors, as well as health insurance counseling and other services.     Anyone may receive healthcare services for which they have no insurance coverage at IFC, free of charge. IFC services are on a walk-in basis, with no appointment required. Follow-up appointments can be scheduled as needed. The Ithaca Free Clinic is open on Mondays 2-6pm and Thursdays 4-8pm. We are located at 225 South Fulton Street Suite B in Ithaca, NY.

Health Alliance Memberships The Ithaca Health Alliance is a democratic organization: driven by and made possible by our members! Members guide the organization through voting in referenda and board elections, and through direct feedback. The IHA board of directors is elected from the IHA membership, and growth is guided by member interests. General members, who must be New York state residents, are eligible for grants & loans through the Health Fund.     Health care projessionals may join as Provider Members of the IHA community health network, helping their neighbors to have greater access to the health care services they provide. Sponsor and Affiliate members donate to the community health vision.     Discounted membership rates are given to businesses or community organizations who wish to enroll employees/members, and free memberships are available to those who qualify.

Discounts from Practitioners The Ithaca Health Alliance believes in the power of communities to support each other in their health care needs: IHA Provider Members are great examples of this principle, professionals who work with us to make care more affordable for others. Over 100 health providers (most in the Tompkins County area, but throughout New York State) have agreed to offer a discount on their services to Health Alliance Members. Most offer a discount of 10%, although some offer more. We are continually adding new practitioners, as they join. This directory lists providers who offer discounts.

Anyone in New York State can join the Ithaca Health Alliance and participate in our programs. Anyone in the world is welcome to support our mission. Click here for more information on joining or supporting the Alliance.