In January 1988, the Salvation Army of Chicago and NUHS initiated a cooperative program to offer health care to the indigent. As a result of this cooperation, NUHS now staffs clinics at two Salvation Army rehabilitation centers.

The program fills a gap in health care opportunities for the centers' residents. Prior to the NUHS clinics, the occupants received limited, if any, medical attention. An M.D. volunteered one half day each week at one center, but was so overwhelmed that he spent most of his time writing prescriptions. At the second center, a nurse visited the shelter once a week, but could provide only very limited health care.

Thanks to NUHS clinic program, all that has changed. Currently, chiropractic physicians from NUHS, and seven to ten interns from the D.C. program, staff each clinic. The NUHS interns and physicians collect medical histories and give complete physicals to each patient. Those with diagnosed pathologies are provided appropriate treatment or are referred to other health care providers for treatment. A medical record is developed for each patient listing information on his/her current state of health, noting any diseases and/or dysfunction found, outlining a treatment plan, and recording patient progress.

In 1998 alone, the two clinics provided treatment for 5933 patient visits. Of these visits, 904 were new patients.

The attending physicians and interns report that their patients present many of the permutations resulting from the effects of extensive drinking and drug use, poor nutritional habits, and musculoskeletal and skin problems resulting from a non-sheltered, often hostile, environment.

Interns who spend the clinical portion of the D.C. program working at one of our non-profit clinics report that the experience is uniquely fulfilling. It makes them feel that they are providing an important service to the community. Also, they appreciate the opportunity to manage and treat a wider range of disorders and diseases than those routinely seen at a suburban clinic.

The opportunity to work at one of our non-profit clinics is just one of the reasons the D.C. program at NUHS is exceptional.