Healthcare for the Homeless, Suitcase Clinic

Contact Information

Emily Akerson

Contact Details

akersoek@jmu.edu or iihhs@jmu.edu

Description

The Healthcare for the Homeless, Suitcase Clinic is a unique healthcare delivery model that addresses the unconventional and complex health concerns of homeless adults and children in the Harrisonburg community. It has established the “Suitcase Clinics”, staffed by volunteer Nurse Practitioners, and a full time Nurse Case Manager, to provide health care at the point of contact in five local shelters and human service agencies. Specifically, it provides onsite urgent care services, chronic illness management, and preventative care to homeless clients enrolled in local shelters while simultaneously providing more comprehensive on-site case management services, when needed.

Web Presence

http://www.jmu.edu/iihhs/Features/2014-suitcase-clinic.shtml

Involvement

Involves Faculty, Involves Staff, Involves Students, Involves Participants External to JMU

Date

2014

Frequency

Ongoing (Currently in existence, year round)

Primary Focus of Program

Health and Healthcare

Benefits for Faculty, Students, Community, and Institution

JMU nursing and psychology students volunteer each semester providing an invaluable experiential learning opportunity.

Areas of Engagement

Community Engagement, Engaged Learning

Format

Program

On/Off campus

Off campus