About Us

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We Care Manatee connects uninsured, low-income Manatee County residents to the medical care they need. Our services are available to uninsured Manatee County residents over 18 years old, with income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

History

We Care Manatee was founded by the Manatee County Medical Society in 1999 to address the increasing need of uninsured residents to receive care and treatment from medical specialists. In 2001, We Care Manatee began coordinating care between local physicians who were willing to see uninsured patients in their offices free of charge. In 2002 we incorporated as a non-profit organization.

In the years since then, We Care Manatee physicians have provided millions of dollars in donated care to patients who would otherwise go without.

What We DO

Using a dedicated group of volunteer physicians practicing under the Volunteer Health Care Provider Program (VHCPP) We Care Manatee staff is able to screen referrals and connect clients to medical care offered free of charge. The VHCPP program allows volunteer physicians to be designated an “agent of the state” and have sovereign immunity for uncompensated care they provide to We Care Manatee clients.

Referrals to Specialists

When your doctor needs help managing your care, he or she can request a consultation with one of our volunteer specialists.

We Care Manatee staff reviews each referral to determine if a volunteer specialist is available to meet your need. If accepted, you will be contacted to complete eligibility paperwork in our office. Once approved you will see the specialist in their office for consultation or treatment.

Recommendations from the specialist and notes regarding any treatment provided will be sent to your doctor so that they can manage your ongoing care.

Pharmaceutical Assistance

Patients seen by our partner physicians are also eligible to receive assistance with medications prescribed by those physicians. Some limitations apply.

Breast Health & Wellness

With the support of our partners, We Care Manatee can refer eligible Manatee County residents for screening mammograms and other breast health diagnostic testing.

Care Connection

We Care Manatee can also offer our clients assistance with eligibility applications to other programs, rides to medical appointments set up by our office, and medical equipment. Some limitations apply.

At We Care Manatee our goal is to keep residents healthy, enable them to work, and reduce the burden on emergency rooms and other safety net facilities.

Together, we are making a healthy difference in our patient’s lives.

Our patients, physicians, donors, and volunteers are your neighbors, friends, local care providers, students, and retirees.

Each day, our providers, volunteers, and staff live our mission to facilitate free medical care to low-income, uninsured residents of Manatee County.

Partnerships with community hospitals and alliances with other medical facilities enable us to give patients the quality care they need, from local providers they trust. These partnerships assure that the county’s most vulnerable residents get access to the care they need.

We Care Manatee is funded though individual and corporate donations, government and private grants, and in-kind contributions. Thanks to the generous support of our medical community and people like you, we can serve those in need in Manatee County.

Donate

Our funding comes from grants and generous donations provided by people like you. Support our mission to facilitate free medical care to low-income uninsured residents of Manatee County, FL.

We Care Manatee, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization (Tax ID 59-3606103). Donations are tax deductible. For final determination please consult with your tax preparer.

Our Leadership

Gloria Romero-Hutchinson

Executive Director

Gloria Romero Hutchinson is the Executive Director of We Care Manatee, bringing over 20 years of experience leading nonprofit programs and operations. She has worked with a variety of larger nonprofits, where she focused on expanding access to care, building strategic partnerships, and supporting community-based services.

Known for her collaborative leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to health equity, Gloria is dedicated to enhancing services for uninsured residents and strengthening connections with healthcare providers and community partners.

In her downtime, she enjoys fishing with her husband David and spending time outdoors.

Our Board

OFFICERS:

Scot Cranston

Chairman

Florida Surgical Specialists

Darcy Lawn

Vice Chairman

BankUnited

Erin Hentrich

Treasurer

Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Jodi D. Allen

Secretary

Synovus/Pinnacle Bank

DIRECTORS:

Valerie Vale

Manatee County Medical Society

Maniekha Maharaj, MD

Max Health

Thomas Morrish, MD

Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Manatee, PA

Federico Frias, M.D.

APC Pediatrics

Jennifer McCullen, MD

OB/GYN Women’s Centre

Christy Williams

HCA Healthcare

Marianne Barnebey

City of Bradenton

Our Partners

We Care Manatee is able to live its mission to provide comprehensive free care to those in need because of the deep commitment of our organizational partners. We have developed collaborative relationships with a number of organizations throughout the community.

Below is a partial list: