CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Meghan Hinger, CEO of Clinical Operations at the Charlottesville Free Clinic, passed away unexpectedly on January 15 at the age of 39, according to an announcement from the clinic.
“Meghan was the heart of the free clinic and devoted her life to serving the underserved in our community,” said Dr. Will Knight, Chairman of the Charlottesville Free Clinic. “Her contributions to our community will reverberate forever—the love and care our patients felt from the clinic has changed their lives for the better, as well as those around them.”

Hinger joined the Charlottesville Free Clinic on January 17, 2016, and during her tenure, the clinic reported significant growth. Last year, it provided more than 7,500 patient visits, delivering healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured individuals in the greater Charlottesville area. In 2024, Hinger oversaw the launch of a Dental Clinic to expand access to dental care.

The clinic also highlighted Hinger’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. As interim Executive Director in 2020, she managed the clinic’s relocation, allowing it to continue operations during the health crisis. Hinger was recognized by the Virginia Nurses Foundation as one of its “40 Under 40” for her work in nursing leadership.