Shower Clinics

Today (well two days ago) I got to observe what is called "shower clinic". This is a program run in conjunction with the St. Malachi Center and focuses on giving information, over the counter medication and a quick medical visit to those who can't afford insurance or just don't know how to get care for themselves. Some people come to shower clinic with a specific issue whether it be pain, a rash or any other easily noticeable ailment. Any issues that can be helped or solved with the equipment and medication brought to the St. Malachi Center is done right in the building. For more complicated issues they are encouraged to sign up for Medicaid if they haven't, and directed to Care Alliance (who provides free medical service for those who can't afford it.) They are given all their options in terms of treatments, encouraged to find a regular doctor and given multivitamins to help supplement diets. The shower clinics are very helpful for people who don't have anywhere else to go or simply don't know what's available to them. Observing this gave me just one more perspective on how some of the population of the city is living as well as what Metro does to help the community as a whole.