Championing Health Equity and Innovative Care

The David E. Smith Family Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, champions innovative projects focused on addressing trauma-induced mental health disorders and substance abuse.

Dr David E Smith, MD & Bob Student in the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic in San Francisco
Dr David E Smith, MD. Founder of the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics.

healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

David E Smith MD

A warm welcome from Dr David E Smith MD

Throughout my career in addiction medicine and community health, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of compassionate care.

When I founded the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinics in 1967, my vision was to create a safe haven where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, could access the medical help they needed.

This foundation continues that mission, dedicated to ensuring that quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

Through the David E. Smith MD Family Foundation, we are committed to addressing the healthcare disparities that persist in our society. We support free clinics, train healthcare professionals, and engage in community outreach to make a tangible difference.

Our work is driven by the belief that every person deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care.

I invite you to join us in this vital mission. Whether you contribute through donations, volunteer your time, or help raise awareness, your involvement is crucial. Together, we can continue to build a legacy of care, compassion, and health equity.

New Book Release from Dr. Smith

On sale now!

Discover the inspiring story of Dr. David E. Smith in Healthcare Is A Right: A Memoir

Join Dr. Dave on a journey through his life and career, from co-founding the legendary Haight Ashbury Free Clinic alongside iconic figures like Bill Graham, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and George Harrison, to becoming a pioneer in addiction medicine.

100% of book proceeds benefit the David E. Smith Family Foundation. Your purchase directly supports our mission to improve healthcare access & outcomes.

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The new book from Dr David E Smith MD Healthcare is a Right
Haight Ashbury Street Sign

We are the Pioneers of the free clinic movement

At the forefront of compassionate healthcare, Dr. David E. Smith MD and his dedicated team have championed the free clinic movement since its inception. Born out of the transformative Summer of Love, our mission began as a response to the overwhelming need for medical services among the youth who flocked to San Francisco during this pivotal time.

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    Year Founded

    1967 marked the beginning of Dr. David E. Smith’s dedicated journey in providing compassionate care and support for individuals battling addiction.

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    Initiatives

    Over the years, we have initiated and supported numerous projects in San Francisco and beyond, aimed at improving addiction treatment and fostering lasting recovery.

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    Grants Issued

    We have issued numerous grants to support innovative addiction treatment programs and research initiatives, fostering advancements in recovery and care.

Our Charitable Initiatives

In the summer of 1967, Dr. David Smith founded the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic, and its volunteer medical staff saw over 400 patients during the first week of operation. Dr. Smith's commitment to the principle that "Healthcare is a Right, Not a Privilege" provided a foundation for the decades of innovation and service that continue today.

Driven by a passion for positive change, our mission is to create a lasting impact on lives, fostering a better world for all. With dedication, compassion, and the support of the Smith Family and Richard & Beth Frank, we tirelessly work towards our goals.

We believe in transparency and accountability, and we work diligently to ensure that every dollar donated goes directly toward making a difference.

Haight Ashbury Free Clinics

The Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic opened in June of 1967 during the peak of the Summer of Love. When Dr. David Smith opened Haight Ashbury Free Clinic, it was the first nonsectarian free medical clinic in the United States. Over 400 patients were seen in its first week of operation, launching decades of innovation for delivering primary healthcare services to those who can least afford them.

In June 2011, the Clinics merged with Walden House, a community-based drug treatment program that also had its start in the Haight Ashbury a couple of years after the Clinic opened its doors. Today, the merged entity is known as HealthRIGHT 360, and encompasses a number of other agencies that focus on specific underserved populations.
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Haight Ashbury Free Clinic San Francisco

Rock Medicine

Rock Medicine is a medical support and harm reduction organization that provides free medical care at music festivals, concerts, and other large events. It was founded in 1973 by Dr. George “Skip” Gay & Dr. David E. Smith, in response to the need for medical services at rock concerts in the SF Bay Area.

Rock Medicine is a volunteer-based organization, consisting of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and EMTs, as well as non-medical volunteers. The organization offers a range of services, including first aid, emergency medical care, and harm reduction strategies, such as drug and alcohol education and safe space initiatives.
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Rock Medicine

Dorothy McGinnis Smith Nursing Scholarship

The Dorothy McGinnis Smith RN Nursing Scholarship honors the legacy of David E. Smith's mother. Trained as a nurse at Kern General Hospital, she inspired David to pursue medicine.

The scholarship, in her honor, supports the Health Careers Academy at East Bakersfield High School, where David graduated in 1956. It provides financial assistance to nursing students dedicated to serving marginalized populations.

"A mother holds your hand for a short time but your heart forever."
Dorothy McGinnis Smith Nursing Scholarship

Paws As Loving Support (PALS)

Paws As Loving Support (PALS) Assistance Dogs is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a primary focus on enhancing the human-animal bond through the use of specially trained dogs.

PALS is dedicated to improving quality of life throughout the community by providing “Special PALS for Special Needs”, assisting children with disabilities, healthcare providers, victims of crime and providing support and companionship.
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Paws As Loving Support Assistance Dogs

Homeless Youth Alliance

Homeless Youth Alliance strives to empower and uplift young people experiencing homelessness. The organization is dedicated to equipping these individuals with the tools and resources they need to protect themselves and make informed decisions.

Through peer education and community support, Homeless Youth Alliance fosters an environment where young people can share knowledge and experiences to collectively reduce harm and enhance their well-being. The programs are designed to provide comprehensive support, helping youth to not only survive but to thrive.

Homeless Youth Alliance is committed to guiding youth on a path towards stability and independence, ultimately assisting them in transitioning off the streets and into a brighter future.
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Homeless Youth Alliance

Colors Of Love Rehabilitation

Colors of Love on Haight is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides rehabilitation through Tie Dye training for women emerging from incarceration.

This nine month program accommodates up to three women at a time, focusing on providing comprehensive training in tie-dye techniques as well as the business behind it.

Upon program completion, participants can choose to join the team as full-time artists or are provided the tools needed to start their own tie dyeing business.
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Colors Of Love Rehabilitation, San Francisco

Wildlife Images

Wildlife Images' mission is to rehabilitate and release wildlife and to educate visitors about the important role wildlife plays in keeping our world habitable for humans.

They treat ~1,200 wild animals each year who come to them for a variety of reasons; they were injured, sick, orphaned, kept as illegal pets, etc.

Many animals that come through their doors are released back into the wild. Those that can't be released end up staying at Wildlife Images as ambassador animals for their education programs.
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Wildlife Images Rehabilitation