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SALT LAKE CITY — As flu season gets under way, Fourth Street Clinic, the nonprofit health care provider for homeless Utahns, is running low of influenza vaccine.
The clinic is asking the public for financial contributions to continue to buy vaccines until donated supplies arrive in January and February.
While many government, health care agencies and pharmacies donate to Fourth Street Clinic each year, getting inoculated at the beginning of the season provides greater defense, said medical director Dr. Christina Gallop.
Fourth Street Clinic needs $8,000 to purchase the 1,000 vaccines to be used until donated vaccines become available in mid-January.
- Established 23 years ago.
- Serves 5,300 homeless men, women and children.
- Provides about 26,600 primary care, behavioral health and specialty care visits.
- Vaccinates 2,200 homeless Utahns.
- Dispenses 44,000 medications.
In previous years, some 2,200 homeless Utahns have been vaccinated at the clinic each flu season. Many homeless people have a higher risk of complications from the flu because of pre-existing chronic health conditions.
Flu complications can lead to expensive emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
"We want to break this emergency room cycle of people accessing health care through 911 or emergency medical services because of poverty or that they have nowhere else to go," said Jennifer Hyvonen, the clinic's communication director.
Founded in 1988, Fourth Street Clinic is a comprehensive health care home that serves 5,300 homeless men, women and children. It provides about 26,600 primary care, behavioral health and specialty care visits a year.
Fourth Street Pharmacy dispenses 44,000 medications annually. By increasing homeless Utahns’ access to primary care, Fourth Street Clinic aims to end homelessness, promote community health and reduce health care spending.
For more information or to donate, visit www.fourthstreetc linic.org; email kimb@fourthstreetclinic.org or call (801) 364-0058, extension 1364.
Email:mcortez@ksl.com
