A patient advocate works closely with doctors to thoroughly understand their patient’s condition in order to advocate effectively. A patient advocate initiates necessary follow ups. A patient advocate ensures their patient fully understands treatment plans. A patient advocate educates their patient about their situation and aids them to make informed decisions about their care. For a patient with adequate medical care this advocacy guarantees quality care and a smooth recovery. What about a patient who does not have medical care available to them?
Founded in 1993, the CommunityHealth Clinic has served more than 1.8 million Illinois residents are without adequate health coverage and 1.3 million of those live in the Chicago metro area. Like the vast majority of the uninsured, most of Community Health’s patients are from working families. CommunityHealth has become a leader among other Chicago land free clinics and even clinics nationwide. They offer comprehensive medical care to the uninsured with more than 750 volunteers including a staff of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, and pharmacists.
In addition, CommunityHealth offers free primary and specialty care, preventive health screenings, vaccinations, diagnostic testing and services, case management and educational programs on-site to all their patients. Their specialty care program now offer programs such as audiology, cardiology, dermatology, nephrology, counseling/social work, and much more.
CommunityHealth believe that they must act as the voice of the uninsured in general as well as the patients they provide care to. Thus, raising awareness for the uninsured, educating communities in Chicago about the services offered at CHC, and influencing public policy are considered top priority for Community Health.
In numerous ways CommunityHealth along with numerous other free clinics are active advocates for the uninsured – the most vulnerable type of patients.
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