In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is pleased to announce Jessica Sciuva as the 2023 Free Clinic Volunteer of the Year Award winner for her work at the Columbus Free Clinic (CFC).

“We owe a lot of our success to Jess. Without her, we wouldn't be where we are. She's been an amazing support system, always there to help us overcome any obstacles that come our way. Her compassion shows in the work she does and there is no one more deserving of this award,” notes the nomination for this award.  

Sciuva is a fourth-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine pursuing a career in OBGYN. She is from Chagrin Falls, OH. She has been involved with the Columbus Free Clinic since 2020, initially as the Volunteer Coordinator, and now as Clinic Leadership Liaison with a patient panel of her own for which she serves as their primary care provider. She is especially interested in serving underinsured and underserved populations, considering the importance of equitable healthcare at a student-run free clinic of learners. This year, Sciuva has contributed to CFC by incorporating a dietician into the clinic, restarting undergraduate shadowing following COVID-19, and building on mentoring and clinic growth. 

CFC is a student-run organization that works to provide educational opportunities for professional and undergraduate volunteers. CFC is committed to providing quality health care to our community, free of charge. You can learn more about CFC at columbusfreeclinic.com. 

The Ohio Legislature, through H.B. 320 of the 130th General Assembly, designated December as Free Clinic Appreciation Month (FCAM) in Ohio. As part of Free Clinic Appreciation Month, the Charitable Healthcare Network and the Ohio Department of Health recognize the accomplishments of Ohio's free clinics with Free Clinic Award presentations.