In an effort to ensure those without health insurance have access to medical care, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has contributed $75,000 to the Rhode Island Free Clinic.

The clinic will use the money to increase primary-care access by 20 percent and expand its clinic’s physician network by 10 percent.

The donation is one of many that Blue Cross has given during a seven-year partnership with the clinic.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful partnership with Blue Cross,” said Marie Ghazal, CEO of Rhode Island Free Clinic. “The continued support from Blue Cross helps sustain the clinic so that we can provide health care for Rhode Island’s uninsured, working poor who need us the most.”

Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s ongoing support has helped the clinic increase its hours, number of volunteers and number of patient visits.

“We are grateful to organizations like the clinic that help individuals obtain access to much-needed and high quality medical care.” said Peter Andruszkiewicz, president and CEO of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. •