Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ALBERT B. CHANDLER HOSPITAL – Lexington , Kentucky
Salvation Army Clinic Program

What is it?
In 1986, the UK College of Medicine began reaching out to homeless and other underserved populations through the student-run Salvation Army Clinic. The free clinic, which started in a corner of the Salvation Army dining hall, has grown into about 500 square feet of dedicated clinic space with three curtained exam rooms, an on-site laboratory and pharmacy, and a physical therapy room. In 2001, the clinic became the centerpiece of a UK medical school course created to address health care in underserved populations. Students taking this elective course are trained to manage the clinic’s affairs, and each spring, leadership is handed over to incoming second-year students. 

Who is it for?
Homeless and indigent people in the county.

Why do they do it?
An estimated 5,000 Kentuckians are homeless. For many others, the line between just making ends meet and poverty and homelessness is far too thin. Low-paying jobs or unemployment, lack of affordable housing, lack of health insurance coupled with a major illness all are factors that can push someone over the edge into homelessness. 

Impact: The clinic sees an estimated 64 patients per month, which has been consistent for the past two years.

Contact: Keith Hautala
Public Relations Specialist
Telephone: 859-323-6363, ext. 231
E-mail: keith.hautala@uky.edu