Research Mentor Name
Joel Appel
Research Mentor Email Address
jappel@med.wayne.edu
Institution / Department
Internal Medicine
Document Type
Research Abstract
Research Type
healthimprovement
Level of Research
no
Abstract
Current literature shows Hispanic/Latinx populations in the U.S. face health inequities. Amigos Medicos (AM) Clinic, located in Southwest Detroit, is a student-run free clinic that addresses these issues through preventive health screenings. We hosted a health fair in 2022 and invited other student organizations in efforts to connect the community to resources. Our aim is to identify specific barriers faced by our population in receiving health care and to identify the impact of participation in the fair on those organizations. One survey was administered to patients attending clinic that identified health barriers they face. The other survey was administered to student organizations four months after the fair to assess representatives’ experiences. Data administered to organizations showed all (100%) student organization representatives believed the health fair brought increased awareness to the Detroit population about their respective student organization. The most identified limitations reported by the organizations in serving the community were financial constraints (43%) followed by limited space/resources (14%) and lack of volunteers (14%). Our response rate for the survey administered at the clinic is approximately 38% and data collection is ongoing. 66.67% of patients reported they do not have health insurance. 44% reported visiting a community clinic and 22% visit the Emergency Department. 22% indicated that lack of health insurance, language barriers, lack of transportation, or long wait-time for appointments increased the difficulty of accessing healthcare. Our research not only demonstrates unique challenges in working with Hispanic/Latinx populations but also the needs and barriers faced by the community.
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Health Services Research | Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez, Amanda BS; Edgren, Lucas BS; Rao, Sanjana BSPH; Levine, Diane L. MD; Mendez, Jennifer PhD; and Appel, Joel DO, "Impact of a Health Fair on Student Organizations Providing Care to the Detroit Hispanic/Latinx Community and Barriers Affecting Patients of a Student-Run Clinic Primarily Serving this Population" (2023). Medical Student Research Symposium. 244.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/som_srs/244