Opened in 2003, Clínica Amistad: a project of Amistad y Salud, administers medical help to Tucson’s uninsured.
“Baically what happens is we serve all patients who have zero insurance,” said Nicole Glasner, executive director of the nonprofit clinic. “We’re a primary health care clinic that takes care of those health care needs. So once you come in our door and are established with one of our doctors, who are volunteers, we take care of your health care needs from beginning to end, and we never charge our patient a dime.”
Amistad y Salud is filling an unmet need in Tucson, one that is in high demand. The clinic saw over 3,000 visits in the last year, all fit into Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and one Saturday a month.
Last year it saw 2,400 visits. Recent health care cuts that reduce patient access have prompted a “huge increase” in clinic attendance, Glasner said. Though the administration intended its robust cuts — legislated through 2025’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act— to take effect after midterm elections, millions have already lost Affordable Care Act insurance and Medicare coverage, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
We know that it’s going to continue, too,” Glasner said. “It’s not a future problem. It’s what’s happening right now. The working poor don’t qualify and can’t afford insurance, and it’s thousands of our neighbors who don’t have access to a doctor or any kind of health care. So, you know, our entire health care system is being put at risk, and when we can’t see them, they’ll overfill emergency rooms.”
Glasner said that Clínica Amistad’s network of providers is made up of volunteers, some of whom are retired, and many of whom aren’t: many leave from shifts at the emergency room or hospital and head straight to the clinic. At any time, the volunteer base comprises 50 credentialed staff (nurses, doctors, etc.) and 75 UA or Pima Community College student volunteers.
“They believe in the mission that basic health care is a human right,” Glasner said. “And we think everyone deserves a right to be seen and to receive the care they need.”
Among the clinic’s services are medical evaluations and treatments, dermatology screenings, diabetes management and education, social services and counseling, psychology, acupuncture, physical therapy orthopedics EKGs and ophthalmology. Patients walk through the door for a wealth of reasons and leave treated.
While planning for its upcoming annual Gala, Amistad y Salud assembled a video of patient stories. One of Glasner’s favorite stories is Ed, a self-described “knucklehead” who experienced body pain and fatigue. In an effort to take control over his life, he visited Clínica Amistad, which marked his first time being seen by doctors.
“It comes out time and time again that we’re lifesaving,” Glasner said.
“Which, you know, it warms your heart to know that you are making such a difference in the community. There are so many nonprofits, so many great nonprofits in Tucson that do amazing work. But somehow, to me, this one just rings as so needed, and it’s life-saving for our patients.”
Amistad y Salud does not receive federal funding, but is fueled in whole by donations, many of which it receives through its upcoming annual Gala.
“That’s one way we can continue to afford to keep our doors open. Last year, it helped open another day or another evening, which, you know, is pretty incredible.”
“We’re looking for community members who can get the word out,” Glasner said. “We usually get a couple of providers who fall in love with our mission.”
Glasner advises those looking to get involved to visit the Clínica Amistad website.
“There’s a big old ‘donate’ button there. And if you want more information you can always email me. I’m happy to give tours, I’m happy to talk to people, because I really do believe we are doing life-changing work.”
