Johnson selects Community Health Free Clinic as the 2012-2014 Birdies That Care beneficiary

Zach Johnson

July 13, 2012

Cedar Rapids, Iowa– Zach Johnson returned home to Iowa today to announce that money raised through his Birdies that Care program will support the Community Health Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids. Since 2002, the Clinic has provided free medical, dental, and prescription services to the uninsured and under-insured in East Central Iowa. The Clinic was the first recipient for Birdies that Care in 2005 and the money raised provided children in the community with much-needed nebulizers, insulin needles, inhalers and lice treatments.

Even with the safety net programs, more than 10% of the patients coming to Community Health Free Clinic are under the age of 18 (which is a 32% increase from the previous year). “Many of our young patients lack health coverage due to families being unaware of programs or have missing or late paperwork. Regardless, taking care of a child’s immediate needs that day is most important,” said Darlene Schmidt, Community Health Free Clinic CEO.

“Kim and I have seen first-hand the good the Community Health Free Clinic does. Together, we can reach more kids who are slipping through the cracks,” said Johnson.

Nearly 70% of the patients who use the Community Health Free Clinic have at least one household member employed. Those families either don’t have health insurance through work, or can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs. Funds from Birdies That Care will concentrate on meeting the needs of the children served by the Clinic.

The Clinic serves about 15 patients per hour and distributes approximately $8.4 million of prescription medications. The Clinic receives no fees for services or government reimbursement. 100% of the Clinic’s funding comes from contributions, grants, in-kind donations and volunteers from within the community. 

Birdies That Care is a fundraising program within the Zach Johnson Foundation. It was created by professional golfer and Cedar Rapids native Zach Johnson and his wife Kim, along with Transamerica. The program has raised $700,000 the last seven years for community agencies serving children in need. Past recipients include the Community Health Free Clinic (2005), Madge Phillips Waypoint Center for Women (2006), Tanager Place (2007), Boys & Girls Club (2008 & 2009) and Children of Promise (2010 & 2011).

For more information on Birdies That Care and the Zach Johnson Foundation, visit www.zachjohnsongolf.com. For more information on the Community Health Free Clinic, visit www.communityhfc.org.