After the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its closure to the general public two years ago, the University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic (USA SRFC) has reopened to serve the area’s homeless residents.
The USA SRFC opened in 2014 as a student-led initiative to provide free healthcare to Mobile’s homeless and underserved population. This allows USA College of Medicine students to gain hands-on experience in a clinic setting, performing tasks such as physical exams, patient behavioral counseling and blood pressure screenings while helping to meet the healthcare needs of those who otherwise might not receive care.
Despite only being open to Salvation Army residents throughout 2021, the clinic saw 122 volunteers treat 291 patients, and received $1,000 in donations.
The USA SRFC is open each Friday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and is now seeing patients from the Salvation Army Dauphin Way Lodge and members of the general public.
Still operating with a student-led team, the clinic offers free HIV testing, blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, general medical services, and basic hygiene products to those in need. The clinic accepts donations for patients, including deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and general medical supplies such as gloves, masks and glucometers. Monetary donations help to fund future research projects, clinic renovations and new medical supplies.
On Sunday, May 1, the SRFC is partnering with Chipotle, located at 3871 Airport Blvd., for a fundraising event from 5 to 9 p.m. During that time, a percentage of customer purchases will be donated to USA SRFC by entering the promo code “79ETV43” at check-out.
