Over 20 years ago, NLVS student leaders across Chicago collaborated to develop a student-led initiative aimed at providing healthcare to the underserved. This effort resulted in the establishment of a weekly free health clinic in the West Ridge neighborhood.
Since its inception, the clinic has operated consistently, offering invaluable opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, collaborative service for the uninsured and underinsured community. Today the program has grown to include students from four medical schools and three undergraduate universities.
The free health clinic is a comprehensive medical care facility that serves the underserved in primary and secondary prevention of chronic medical conditions. The clinic also trains future health care professionals by providing an educational setting for them to learn and practice clinical skills.
We empower our patients to manage their health with one-on-one nutrition and lifestyle counselling. Our medical students and clinicians provide culturally sensitive and informed health education. We also offer health fairs throughout nearby communities.
Medications for both acute infections and chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are provided at no cost to patients. Every effort is made to provide free medications and help patients purchase low-cost medications.
Lab tests, including complete blood count, complete metabolic profile, fasting lipid profile, and HbA1c are available to be drawn when indicated at no charge.
We have been providing patients with access to free specialty services including optometry, neurology, dermatology, and podiatry.
Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are an opportunity for patients to see a doctor along with other patients who have the same health condition. Patients are provided with an educational workshop providing them with general information about the disease. After the workshop, patients are individually assessed by medical students and physicians. This program involves multiple providers including physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, and behavioral providers in a group setting with multiple patients.
Clinic address: 2645 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659