BankRI Grant to Rhode Island Free Clinic will Help Provide Comprehensive Healthcare to Low-Income Rhode Islanders

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – While the implementation of the Affordable Care Act has helped many previously uninsured Rhode Island secure health coverage, thousands continue to lack access to care and turn to the Rhode Island Free Clinic for preventative health services. In response, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI)announced today it has awarded the Rhode Island Free Clinic with a $2,500 charitable grant to support the delivery of comprehensive health care to uninsured, working poor and low-income Rhode Islanders.

Using a statewide network of more than 800 medical volunteers and community partners, the Rhode Island Free Clinic provides a broad range of free essential health services that include primary and specialty care, lab and diagnostic testing, medicine, and wellness programs. The organization also serves as an educational training site for medical professionals.

“Access to health care is critically important for everyone,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, President and CEO of BankRI. “When our neighbors are unable to receive services needed to maintaining their health, treatable conditions often become complicated and greatly impact their quality of life, which is why we are proud to support the innovative work of the Rhode Island Free Clinic.”

Rhode Island Free Clinic patients represent the state’s working poor, uninsured, and low-income adults ages 19 through 65. All patients earn less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level—$23,340 for an individual and $47,700 for a family of four. Nearly 50 percent of the Clinic’s patients are employed, but in low-wage jobs with no health insurance. In 2013, the Clinic handled close to 9,000 patient visits.

“The Clinic’s exponential growth in recent years is the result of strong partnerships with those who not only believe in our mission, but also in the value we provide to patients, aspiring health care professionals, and to the State’s health care delivery system,” says Marie Ghazal, CEO of the Rhode Island Free Clinic. “BankRI’s generosity will help us to sustain and expand our services so that more of our uninsured neighbors who cannot afford fees for services or co-pays have the opportunity to get and stay well.

About Bank Rhode Island

Bank Rhode Island, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL), is a full-service, FDIC-insured financial institution headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.  The bank operates 19 branches and more than 60 ATMs throughout Providence, Kent and Washington Counties. For more information, visitwww.BANKRHODEISLAND.com.

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