Characteristics of clients using a free health center
Millions of Americans today are without health insurance, and with the ever increasing costs of care, many forgo treatment, prolonging otherwise treatable conditions and allowing them to worsen. Free clinics serve as the foundation in providing primary care for low income and uninsured individuals. The characteristics and health services utilization were analyzed among patients at a free health clinic, the Champaign County Christian Health Center (CCCHC). Throughout the study, an emphasis was placed on the health disparities that exist among racial lines in society, the demographic makeup of those who use the clinic, and the impact that lacking adequate health care has on an individual's emergency department (ED) utilization. This study collected information from patients at the CCCHC who had voluntarily completed a questionnaire. These surveys included questions about the patient's demographic characteristics and health care options. Data was analyzed and compared to both the population of Champaign county as well as national statistics regarding ED use. The research determined if a disproportionate number of minorities used the clinic as compared to county makeup. The study also assessed the ED utilization among clients as compared national averages. The CCCHC study highlighted the characteristics of those who utilized the clinic, as well as the increasing need for primary health care to alleviate emergency department overcrowding.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
Community Health
Research Advisor:
Stephen Notaro
Department of Research Advisor:
Kinesiology & Community Health
Year of Publication:
2008