The IPE Student Health Clinic is just one of the many programs and services offered to unhoused individuals in Middletown within the past three years. Funding and donor support especially helped this initiative come to life, explained Betsey Smith, a faculty member within the School of Health Sciences.

“With funding available via the OT Criminal Justice Fund and the support of our donors, OT faculty and students have become familiar with the clients, as well as their health needs, which extend well beyond the scope of OT practice,” said Smith.

Occupational therapy students offered medication training, sleep and foot care. Physical therapy students provided movement screenings and donated medical equipment. Medical students completed health screenings with physician follow ups if needed, and handed out personal hygiene items.

Smith outlined the benefits that this clinic offers students, specifically how it contributes to the student readiness for working efficiently in a healthcare environment.

“The clinic provides opportunities for students from different professions to work together in an unconventional setting and have 1:1 interactions with people who are unhoused and present with complex health conditions,” said Smith. “The students face unexpected challenges, not the least of which is that many clients have had negative experiences with health providers and are very distrusting. The experience contributes to their understanding of the social determinants of health, health inequities and how poverty, homelessness, food insecurity and lack of access to resources impacts the client’s daily life.”

Students loved the experience, said Smith. 

“They were challenged with very complex clients, but they quickly made connections and were overwhelmed by the gratitude they received,” she added.

Students receive training and prep before hand, including background information regarding homelessness and the impact of health inequities.

“Training includes trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques and intervention specific to their specific disciplines,” said Smith.

What stood out to Smith from the day was the client turnout, most clients were sitting in the waiting areas talking, laughing and connecting with students about their experiences, Smith relayed.

Students helped clients regain independence, return to work and feel genuinely seen and cared for, highlighting the incredible impact of these clinics on clients but also on students as well.

Following the event, coordinators debrief with both clients and students to measure the impact the clinic had.

“The students report increased confidence and comfort with working with this population and reduced stigma towards persons experiencing housing insecurity,” said Smith. “The clients report a positive experience that makes them more likely to seek medical services when needed. Because many have not had positive experiences with the healthcare system, this experience reduces their stigma toward healthcare professionals," she added. 

“For some of the clients, the ability to be mobile is life changing in their ability to work, get to the soup kitchen for meals, or keep important appointments,” Smith added.

Plans for the 2025 and 2026 academic year include monthly clinics to provide OT, PT and medical care, along with larger seasonal clinics held three times a year.

“The Quinnipiac community can contact us to explore volunteer opportunities and those with clinical experience can help to supervise interventions at the clinic,” said Smith. Donations in the form of funding and supplies would be welcome to ensure that we can continue this endeavor.”

Are you interested in volunteer opportunities like this? Contact Anna.Carlson@quinnipiac.edu or Betsey.Smith@quinnipiac.edu.