Saginaw County’s Only Free Medical Clinic Serving the Uninsured
SAGINAW, MI – The Cathedral Free Clinic has opened its doors—offering body and soul care to uninsured residents of Saginaw County who have nowhere else to turn for primary care. Patients receive free medical treatment in a welcoming environment rooted in compassion, prayer, and the love of Jesus Christ. The clinic is currently open on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m., with hopes of extending its hours in the future as more medical providers step forward to volunteer.
“Cathedral Free Clinic believes that uninsured members of our community deserve options beyond costly ER or Urgent Care visits for basic primary care,” said Cathedral Free Clinic President and physician Dr. Toby Long. “In 2023, BWell Saginaw estimated that 9 percent of Saginaw County residents—approximately 10,000 individuals—were uninsured. While we cannot serve as a medical home for every uninsured person in the region, we are committed to being a trusted source for compassionate care. As Saginaw County’s only free clinic, our mission is to bear witness to God’s healing love by offering essential healthcare to our neighbors in their time of need.”
Located in the St. Mary’s Center of Hope building at 723 Emerson Street in Saginaw—just east of MyMichigan Medical Center and steps from the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary—the clinic is a place where modern medicine meets the compassion of Christ. Its theme, “Hope is Healthy,” is inspired by Luke 10:9: “Cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
“As disciples of Jesus, we have a responsibility to bring hope and healing to the vulnerable and suffering in the world,” said Bishop Robert Gruss. “The Cathedral Free Clinic will be a place where patients can experience the healing love and mercy of Jesus Christ. We are blessed to have this clinic in the neighborhood of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. I look forward to hearing about the many lives that will encounter Jesus, perhaps for the first time.”
The inspiration for the clinic began when Dr. Toby Long, a local family physician, and member of St. Agnes Parish in Freeland, had a vision for a faith-inspired free medical clinic in Saginaw, one where patients could come for healing of both body and soul. Recognizing the opportunity for the Church to extend its own healing ministry and be part of this outreach to bring hope and healing to those in need, Bishop Robert Gruss wanted to do everything he could to help.
A dedicated founding board, generous partners in the community, and a providential gift of the Center of Hope building from Ascension St. Mary’s last year, allowed the vision to become a reality. Cathedral Free Clinic hosted its first clinic on June 3, 2025.
The Cathedral Free Clinic operates as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry, partnering with the Diocese of Saginaw and the greater community to serve uninsured individuals, regardless of faith. Patients are welcomed with dignity, compassion, and joy.
Medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to assist with patient care, hospitality, administrative help, and prayer ministry. Information on volunteering, as well as a place for patients to book a medical visit, is available at www.cathedralclinic.org.
Cathedral Free Clinic is on [facebook.com/cathedralfreeclinic]Facebook and a tour of the clinic is now available by clicking here.