SPRINGDALE, Ohio — Medical students from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have pulled together resources to open a free health clinic to help uninsured residents in the Tri-State.
Caroline Hensley, a fourth-year medical student, spearheaded the effort, according to the university’s website.
In 2016, while working at the Crossroad Health Center, Hensley said she noticed many Spanish-speaking residents who didn’t have insurance, and lacked transportation to clinics that could help them.
Hensley started working with other students who were passionate about opening a free student-run health clinic.
After researching where residents would benefit the most from a free clinic, the group of students reached out to the Healing Center in Springdale.
“What’s most impressive is they provide such dignity for their clients and that was evident from the first time we visited,” Hensley said. “It is a beautiful place that strives to care for their clients holistically. It is a wonderful organization.”
The Healing Center, operated by Vineyard Cincinnati Church, has a food pantry, clothing, English classes and other services. The student-led clinic leases its space for $1, and much of the medical equipment was donated.
Students say the clinic is “a great need.”
“When clients come into the clinic they will be triaged at the front desk and individuals in need of immediate care will go over to the exam room and interact with a patient navigator, that’s someone who will follow the patient throughout the process,” said medical student Shawn Krishnan.
Patients will be seen by medical students, and faculty advisors, including Dr. Megan Rich, will supervise.
“Not only does the student-run free health clinic showcase UC student initiative and creativity, but does so in a way that promotes an interdisciplinary network,” Rich said. “We have students from the colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy coming together to try to solve real world problems.”
Hensley took the project one step further by involving pharmacy students who help patients by finding the cheapest medications in the area.
The clinic is located in the Healing Center at 11345 Century Circle West in Springdale. It operates from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.
Its first day of operation was July 13. Click here for more information.
