The Sparrow Medical Group
Volunteers of America practice recently marked its first anniversary of providing care to the area's homeless.
Since March 2014, the innovative practice has logged more than 3,100 patient visits and helped individuals regain control of their health. Many of the patients are physically disabled, suffer from mental illness, and unable to access government health benefits to which they are entitled.
Located onsite at the VOAMI, 430 N. Larch St., the clinic is believed to be the first practice in Michigan based in a homeless service center.
"This is a common sense and compassionate option that makes our community better," says Darin Estep, director of community engagement for the VOA. "When people are feeling better and are healthier, they are better equipped to work on other things in their lives."
Estep says that fragile health is the main reason many people end up homeless. Before the clinic, the majority of homeless would tolerate a medical condition until it became an emergency. An ambulance or 911 was often their only option.
The clinic operates five days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and consists of six exam rooms, a lab and a room for doing simple procedures like stitches. Financial assistants are also onsite to assist with applications to health insurance and Sparrow's financial aid program.
"It looks like any other Sparrow medical practice and is beautifully appointed," says Estep. "It's a measure of respect that our clients can sit on a nice exam table and be treated like you or I would if we went to see a doctor."
Plans are underway to build and open a four-chair dental clinic next door to the practice in partnership with Delta Dental. Sparrow is among the groups helping to plan the clinic.
"Dental care is a huge part of health care and is sorely lacking among the homeless," says Estep. "The clinic is all part of our interdisciplinary approach."
The VOA also opened a legal clinic in December that advocates for the homeless and walks them through the disability process when appropriate. Part of that process, Estep says, involves securing medical confirmation of their disability, often through the in-house clinic.
"With the addition of a dental and law clinic, we have a full spectrum of options," says Estep "Our interdisciplinary team can now look at the most urgent homeless cases in the community and determine what may be keeping them from recovery."
Sources: Darin Estep, Director of Community Engagement, Volunteers of America Michigan
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Innovation News? Email Ann Kammerer here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.