CHICAGO, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- The American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation today announced the acceptance of a major gift of $500,000 from Pfizer Inc to its fundraising campaign. The gift was given to specifically benefit the AMA Foundation's Healthy Communities/Healthy America program which supports physician-led free clinics providing direct care to the underserved and uninsured.
"Pfizer's generous donation will allow us to continue addressing the growing problem of the uninsured and recognizing the extraordinary efforts of physician and community volunteers," said Barbara A. Rockett, M.D., AMA Foundation President.
Because of the approximately 46.6 million Americans without health insurance, hundreds of communities nationwide have developed free clinics. These non-profit clinics bring together health care professionals and other community volunteers to offer free or low cost health care to low-income, uninsured and underinsured people. Funding is generally raised on the local level and there is little if any government funding or support.
In its second year, the Healthy Communities/Healthy America program will provide $10,000-$25,000 grants. The AMA Foundation is currently accepting applications from free clinics for its 2008 cycle. Applications can be downloaded at www.amafoundation.org.
As the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association, the AMA Foundation supports a broad range of programs in medical education, research and public health. Visit www.amafoundation.org or call (312)464-4200 for more information.
SOURCE American Medical Association Foundation
