A local free clinic is celebrating 5,000 patients that have walked through the doors since it opened in 1997.

"Since that time we have provided over 22,000 patient visits and those patient visits include everything from exams to diagnostics such as labs and x-rays to medications and referral services," says Brent Hafele, executive director of Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.

Hafele says as the number of people without health care continues to rise, the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic tries to serve more and more patients.

The clinic runs on community support and nearly all medical care provided by volunteers, and Michael Conwill says he’s grateful for that.

"The only choice I had was here or the emergency room and at the time I didn't have [any] insurance and so that was just a waste of money for the taxpayers… so these people have been very helpful for me."

Hafele says the non-profits' funds are tight while the need is great. If you would like to donate to the clinic, you can click on the link below.