In 2002, retired RN and Parish Nurse Marie Blanchard enlisted Boise State nursing students to survey the Boise Bench, confirming a need for a free clinic. This led to the founding of The Friendship Clinic in 2003, which opened in 2004. Initially staffed by volunteers and housed at All Saints Episcopal Church, the clinic provides basic health services to the uninsured and underinsured. It has since expanded to include chronic illness management, therapy, mental health counseling, and more, partnering with local universities and medical programs. In 2016, the clinic was renamed The Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic in honor of Marie, who served as Executive Director until her retirement at 91.

Born in Minidoka, Idaho, Marie witnessed the health disparities in her community, inspired by her pharmacist father’s care for the underserved. After WWII, she worked as a stewardess before moving to Boise, where she became a nurse and later a volunteer Parish Nurse. At 99, Marie remains deeply passionate about healthcare for those in need and continues to serve on the clinic’s Board of Directors. She is a true hero, though many remain unaware of her remarkable contributions.