The Near West Free Clinic
Kevin Bogenschutz, DMS, PA-C, PA Students Sarinna Brueckner and Nathaniel Marks, and their team at The Near West Free Clinic are expanding services at a student-run, free clinic, increasing access to point-of-care testing and providing in-clinic medication dispensing. Their goal is to remove cost, transportation, and access barriers for patients.
“This project reflects the founding mission of the PA profession – expand care to underserved communities – and ensures PA students engage in leadership roles that foster social accountability and professional growth,” said Bogenschutz.
Established in 2018, the Near West Free Clinic (NWFC) is a volunteer-based clinic that serves Indianapolis’ near westside, an area disproportionately impacted by chronic disease, poverty, and lack of insurance. In collaboration with Butler University’s PA program and local health care and community partners, NWFC provides free, holistic health care to underserved patients, filling a growing community need.
The clinic leverages interprofessional collaboration, providing PA students as well as medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, and undergraduate interpreter students with experiential, service learning, and leadership opportunities as care is delivered collaboratively with volunteering providers.
The project will track outcomes, including utilization of point-of-care testing and prescriptions filled as well as increases in medication adherence, improved disease progression, and patient return rates.
Data may also inform research regarding how interprofessional free clinics are an effective healthcare delivery model and may serve as a case study for PA student training curricula.
This project extends the Health Foundation’s commitment to equipping PAs and PA students with leadership opportunities that expand access to equity-focused care for all.