About The Way Clinic

Our History

During a “Peace and Justice” weekend retreat in August of 2005 at Sacred Heart Church in Fleming Island, Jeannie Gallina put forth the idea of creating a free medical clinic to serve members of the migrant community living in Green Cove Springs, most of whom had no healthcare insurance or the finances to pay for medical care out of pocket. 


In April of 2006, Jeannie and her husband Guy Gallina, along with others in the community, founded The Way Free Medical Clinic and opened its doors for the first time. The Clinic’s mission was to provide that basic, free medical care for residents of Clay County who had no insurance and lived in poverty.


The Way Clinic (or El Camino, as it is called in the Hispanic Community) was established at the Clay County Health Department in Green Cove Springs, and staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, clerical workers, and interpreters.


As it grew rapidly, the clinic moved to an 800 square foot space provided by Challenge Enterprises at the Augusta Savage Center.  The community and institutional supporters quickly provided donated medical supplies, equipment, and other patient care items to help keep up with the growing volume.


In 2010, The Way Clinic had already outgrown its second home and after a long search, the clinic was able to lease space from the Board of County Commissioners at 479 Houston Street in Green Cove Springs for $1 per year.  The Houston Street facility was 3,500 square feet and allowed for further growth of its services and programs, which now included obstetrical and prenatal maternal health services, an unprecedented service for a free medical clinic.


In 2020, local business owner Karen King donated a one-acre lot with a commercial building on College Drive to the organization, citing a divine directive to do so.  Following a three-year campaign to fund total reconstruction and expansion of the building, a new permanent clinic facility was established at 302 College Drive in Orange Park, located directly across from St. Johns River State College. At 6,800 square feet, the new clinic is double the size of the former facility and also features the addition of free dental services and mobile medical services.


The Way Free Medical Clinic has grown, but its mission remains the same: to improve access to healthcare and provide free medical services to uninsured, low-income residents in Clay County.

Jeannie Gallina
Old Clinic Facility
New Clinic Facility

Our Staff

Supporting Our Volunteers


Our Board

Guiding the Mission


Guy Jackson, CFO | Interstate Batteries


David Fieber, Financial Advisor | Edward Jones


Kevin Rinks, President & CEO | Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital


Kip Deckerhoff, Vice President Patient Care Services | Baptist Clay Hospital


Elizabeth Dusinberre, Esq. | Fuller, Dusinberre, Horne, PLLC


Jennifer Mick, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer | Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital


Bob Olson, Executive Director | Thrasher-Horne Center


Mary Tabor, Chief Nursing Officer | HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital


Leesa Tillman, Marketing Manager | Clay Today