| OCR Text |
Show In addition to fostering strong provider/patient relationships, creating a health care environment that is safe and easily accessible encourages youth to obtain the care they need. Clinics attempting to serve this population should make the location of the clinic, times of operation, and cost feasible to street youth. After two years of operation, the clinic has been successful in reducing barriers to access and providing ongoing patient care. It has given the youth the opportunity to achieve healthier lifestyles by providing resources and support. The youth have demonstrated that they can be compliant with treatment and will return to clinic for follow-up. The consistent use of the clinic is indicative that homeless youth in the community will seek medical care when they feel safe and when the services are easily accessible. The Open Door Clinic is able to offer free care due to the partnerships that have been established between community providers. This collaboration of public and private organizations allows a difficult to reach population to be served in an effective manner. Clinic space is provided free of charge through the Salt Lake City-County Health Department. Volunteers and providers from the community, University of Utah, Fourth Street Clinic, etc. coordinate clinic activities, and medicines and laboratory costs are covered by Wasatch Homeless Health Care, Inc. 33 |
