UAB, Firehouse Shelter offer health clinic for homeless

UAB and Firehouse Ministries have partnered to create a much-needed student-run health clinic for Birmingham’s homeless at the Firehouse Shelter downtown.

A screening clinic, which began in June 2016, is on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 8:30-11 a.m., according to Dr. Rick Kilgore, director of the UAB Physician Assistant Program.

Clients are referred as needed and given transportation to other providers, including Cooper Green Mercy Services and the Bessemer Neighborhood Health Center.

Health-education sessions — where clients can learn about topics such as vaccines, smoking cessation and stress management — are on second and fourth Wednesdays, Kilgore said.

The clinics and educational sessions are supervised by faculty but staffed by students training to be doctors, nurses, physician assistants, dieticians, nutritionists and physical and occupational therapists.

It’s a great learning opportunity for students, who can only learn so much in the classroom or hospital, according to Kilgore.

“In a situation like Firehouse Shelter, you’re going to see everything in life,” he said.

“It gives us a chance to see real-life patients with real-life problems,” Ashley King said, who’s in the physician assistant program.

Client Dwayne Durrah praised the clinic staff.

“They don’t have a problem sitting down explaining your situation medically and being able to get the assistance you need,” he said.

Client Robert Means is homeless and a former longtime drug user.

“They are giving me the chance to go to the doctor and get some stuff corrected,” he said. “I’m just grateful they came.”

The program has “given our guys hope for a healthier lifestyle,” said Kim Clark, Firehouse case manager.

The Firehouse Shelter is at 1501 Third Ave. N.