In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is pleased to announce Courtney Gravens, CNP, as the 2024 Free Clinic Nurse of the Year award winner. Gravens serves as a nurse practitioner at Lake County Free Clinic (LCFC) in Painesville, Ohio.
“Courtney’s dedication to providing compassionate care for underserved populations has transformed the lives of countless patients in our community. Her commitment to health equity and education embodies the mission of Lake County Free Clinic,” notes the nomination for this award.
Gravens’ approach to care is deeply rooted in the belief that "healthcare is an essential safeguard of human life and dignity and there is an obligation to ensure that every person be able to realize that right," as articulated by the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. This guiding principle inspires her unwavering commitment to improving access to healthcare for those who need it most and exemplifies the mission of the Lake County Free Clinic.
With more than 20 years of experience in nursing, Gravens began her journey at the Cleveland Clinic, where she discovered her passion for teaching and patient care. This led her to pursue her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) license with the goal of serving and educating her community. The opportunity to join Lake County Free Clinic allowed her to bring her expertise and compassion to a role that has become the most rewarding of her career.
Founded in 1971 to address the community's unmet healthcare needs, LCFC provides no-cost medical and dental care to uninsured and underserved individuals. The Clinic offers a wide range of services, including chronic and preventive care, acute care, dental services, case management, and more. Through the support of generous donors, LCFC ensures these services remain free of charge to patients, empowering them to achieve better health outcomes. For more information about Lake County Free Clinic, visit lakefreeclinic.org.
As part of Free Clinic Appreciation Month (FCAM), the Charitable Healthcare Network and the Ohio Department of Health recognize the accomplishments of Ohio's free clinics through annual Free Clinic Award presentations. FCAM was established in 2013 by the Ohio Legislature through H.B. 320 to honor and raise awareness about the vital role free clinics play in delivering essential healthcare to Ohio’s most vulnerable populations.
This year’s award recipients will be celebrated at the 2025 Charitable Healthcare Network Safety-Net Symposium, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Columbus. This annual event brings together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and community partners to recognize the impact of free and charitable clinics in strengthening Ohio’s healthcare safety net, fostering equity, and delivering high-quality care to underserved populations.
More information about FCAM, CHN and the upcoming symposium can be found at charitablehealthcarenetwork.org.
