A Retrospective Review of the Patient Population served by the Jackson Free Clinic, a Student-run Free Clinic in Jackson, Mississippi

Abstract

Purpose: To understand the health needs and challenges experienced by the patient population served by a student-run free clinic in Jackson, Mississippi.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who presented between 2017 and 2019. Data collected included age, race, sex, hometown, number of visits, chief complaint, lab utilization, blood pressure, and body mass index.

Results: The patient population was 73.3% African American and 55.5% female and came from 88 different towns across Mississippi. Most patients (54.1%) came only once. Nearly half (46.7%) of African American patients and 50.0% of White patients were obese. The top three chief complaints were health management (40.3%), STI/UTI (9.3%), and musculoskeletal (7.5%).

Conclusions: The data indicate a need for the development of programs to improve patient access to care and resources: a community health outreach program, a social health services program, and further studies to determine the effectiveness of care provided.