The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62038

Jeanne E. Black, DC, MS Ed, Community Outreach Clinic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, 563-326-1870, black_j@palmer.edu

In 1989 a large chiropractic college began a program to reach out to the community. This program is a well-established program providing basic chiropractic health services to an underserved and indigent population while exposing students to a diverse patient base. Since health care needs are not the primary concern of most indigent patients advanced or atypical clinical presentations result. This is the only health care for many of these patients and is their portal-of-entry into the health care system. The program provides basic chiropractic services including physical examinations, radiographic examinations and chiropractic adjustments free-of-charge. The program began with an association with a charitable organization in which chiropractic students, under the supervision of a licensed doctor, provided physical examinations to neighborhood low-income children on a monthly basis. The program expanded to include six weekly site clinics including two Salvation Army facilities, two senior centers, a senior apartment complex, and a low-income transitional housing facility. In 1993 the program further expanded with a 2000 square foot clinic. All site clinics were then closed with the exception of the two senior centers sites because they were all within walking distance of the new clinic. In 1997 an additional clinic was opened. This clinic and the senior sites were closed in 2000 due to budgetary constraints. All resources were focused on the remaining clinic. Fifty students per week participate in patient care. The clinic sees 800-900 patients monthly and celebrates its tenth anniversary in June.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to:
• Apply the principles learned in creating a successful community outreach program.
• Discuss chiropractic student involvement in the care of indigent and low-income patients.
• Assess the need for a community outreach program in their own communities.

Keywords: Community Outreach, Low-Income

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment