Maliheh Free Clinic By Brenda Spearman, MBA Executive Director, Maliheh Free Clinic As healthcare providers, we understand the critical importance of access to healthcare services. Unfortunately, not all individuals have equal access to healthcare, especially those who are low-income and uninsured. The Maliheh Free Clinic (MFC), located in Millcreek, has been providing free healthcare services to these underserved populations since its inception in 2005. Founded by Mansour Emam, MD, and Khosrow Semnani, the MFC started with a simple vision of offering an alternative to emergency room visits for low-income individuals. The founders recognized that emergency departments are not designed to provide primary care services and that low-income individuals who cannot afford to pay for medical care are often stuck with enormous bills from emergency department visits. With a team of dedicated volunteers, the clinic began offering basic medical care services for free. Over the years, the clinic has expanded its services to include medical provider evaluations, laboratory studies, eye care, physical therapy, sub-specialty consultations, assistance with obtaining medication, diabetes and obesity treatment and education, adult and child immunizations, and women’s health. These essential services are made possible through generous program funding and the unwavering support of committed community volunteers. With over 5,000 patients served annually, the MFC caters to individuals and families living at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level who are uninsured and do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The clinic’s patient population is diverse, with 72% Hispanic, 11% Pacific Islander, 13% Caucasian, and 4% other ethnicities. The MFC’s dedicated efforts have significantly reduced the burden on emergency rooms and improved the overall health and well-being of the communities it serves. The MFC relies on a dedicated team of 15 staff members and more than 450 community volunteers, who contributed approximately 27,000 service hours in 2022. This immense volunteer effort allowed the clinic to complete over 15,000 patient visits. Education and training play a crucial role at the MFC. By partnering with Brigham Young University, Westminster College, Salt Lake Community College, Rocky Mountain University, and the University of Utah, the clinic provides hands-on learning experiences for students within a clinical setting. The MFC has contracted precepting responsibilities in Community/Family Medicine rotations for 3rd Year Medical Students from the University of Utah School of Medicine (UUSOM), Family Medicine Residents from St. Mark’s Family Medicine Residency, Family Medicine Residents from the University of Utah, Internal Medicine Residents from the University of Utah, and 2nd Year Rachel, Volunteer Phlebotomist (Photo Credit: Logan Lybbert) Richardo Montenegro, Physician Assistant (Photo Credit: Logan Lybbert) 27 |
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