The mission of IHA is to facilitate access to health care for all, with a focus on the needs of the un- and underinsured.
In 1997, grass roots activists in Ithaca, New York organized by local innovator Paul Glover, began working with their community to address the issue of access to health care.
The original vision of this health cooperative included: The new organization soon attracted members, each joining for $100 per year.
Members primarily resided in Ithaca and Tompkins County, but the Fund had fairly wide representation across the state of New York.
Eventually NYSID relented, recognizing that Glover's enthusiasm for the mission of "health care for all" was well-intentioned.
The IHA seeks to expand grant categories annually, based on the needs expressed by members and the resources of the organization.
In addition to the services available through grants, a revolving loan fund provides interest-free help to members for dental and eye care.
The Ithaca Health Alliance education program receives high marks from the community[citation needed].
In an effort to fulfill its commitment of education of the community at large, IHA distributes without charge copies of the newsletter to local coffee shops and other public places.
The office manager is responsible for the distribution of grants, communication with members, area officials, and business people.
Financed through membership savings from 1997 to the Free Clinic's inception, members continue to support the IFC, as do donations from the wider community.
IFC is one of only three medically integrated free clinics in the U.S., meaning that visitors are treated by both conventional and complementary healthcare professionals.
Most days, alternative practitioners, such as herbalists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists, join physicians and registered nurses.
Upwards of 75 volunteers, including students from area colleges and universities, along with many interested and dedicated community members, freely contribute their time to the ongoing success of IFC.
In its first year of operation, the Free Clinic completed more than 850 patient visits, nearly triple the number initially anticipated.
Unable to pay out-of-pocket fees for service, the uninsured residents in and around Ithaca are frequently dangerously ill before they learn about IFC.