The UAMS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center has received a Gold Star rating from the NAFC for its excellence in providing free healthcare services. A student-run clinic, it offers essential health services under professional supervision, helping over 1,000 patients in 2023 alone, primarily the uninsured and low-income workers. Dr. Elizabeth Gath highlights the commitment required to maintain such a top-tier rating and the clinic’s role in promoting health equity.
The UAMS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center, a beacon of hope in Little Rock, has once again garnered the prestigious Gold Star rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC). Since its inception in early 2013, this student-run clinic has seamlessly combined hands-on education for UAMS students with essential health services for the surrounding community. Guided by experienced healthcare professionals, students from all five colleges at UAMS—including Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health—provide a wide range of services such as disease and medication management, basic dental screenings, and immunizations. The clinic, situated at 4010 W. 12th St., has consistently excelled in its mission, achieving a Gold Star rating each year since it first received a Silver Star in 2020. Achieving this rating reflects rigorous standards in patient care, clinic responsibilities, and administrative processes, with the clinic demonstrating compliance through detailed submissions of its policies and systems. Dr. Elizabeth Gath, the clinic’s medical director, emphasizes the dedication required to maintain such a high standard, stating that it “takes a huge amount of work to reach and maintain a Gold Star rating.” The distinction highlights the caliber of care provided, reassuring patients and stakeholders alike of the clinic’s unwavering commitment to health equity. In 2023 alone, over 1,000 unique patient encounters were recorded, further alleviating the strain on emergency services while providing crucial support to uninsured individuals, many of whom are hardworking members of the local community who lack access to healthcare through their employment. With around 1,400 free or charitable clinics across the U.S., only a fraction operate under student leadership, making the 12th Street Health & Wellness Center particularly notable. The clinic’s ability to adapt to the community’s needs through regular feedback from its Community Advisory Board showcases its commitment to responsible and culturally competent care. Gath reflects, “the 12th Street Health & Wellness Center helps keep our community healthier and hopeful,” acknowledging the center’s dual role in offering valuable training for students while fulfilling a critical need.
In a nation where access to healthcare remains a pressing issue, health and wellness centers, especially those serving the uninsured and low-income populations, play a vital role. The UAMS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center stands out as a model for integrating student education with community service. Free clinics not only provide essential medical services without charge but also work towards reducing the overall burden on emergency healthcare services by managing primary care for patients who otherwise may not seek assistance. By obtaining a Gold Star rating from the NAFC, the clinic ensures that it meets exacting standards of care, highlighting the importance of quality in free healthcare environments.
The UAMS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center is not merely a clinic; it is a lifeline for many in the community. With its impressive Gold Star rating, it represents excellence in care, providing indispensable services to those often overlooked by the healthcare system. Through the dedicated work of its students and faculty, it champions the principle that health care is a right, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.
Original Source: news.uams.edu
