HAVEN Free Clinic History
Our History
In the spring of 2004, a group of Yale health profession students assembled to serve the community while utilizing their health care skills and knowledge. The resolution of that initial assembly was to evaluate the need in New Haven for a student-run free clinic.
The group made two important determinations:
No stationary free clinic existed at the time. The only consistent source of free medical care in New Haven was the mobile Yale Community Health Care Van.
A growing population of New Haven residents lack access to medical care. Although the total number of uninsured people is elusive, current health care and census statistics reveal that New Haven possesses an excess of risk factors correlating to uninsured status.
The students began to develop a plan for establishing a sustainable student-run free clinic in New Haven. They approached several existing local clinics for help in this endeavor, and were very excited to establish a partnership with Fair Haven Community Health Center (FHCHC).
The HAVEN Free Clinic opened its doors on November 12, 2005 with generous support from the Yale health professional schools. Since opening, we have conducted greatly expanded our services. Now we are proud to be largely independently funded by the Gilead Foundation and the John B. Goetsch Endowment for Medical Education and Service.
2004
A group of Yale health professional students assembled under the shared desire to discuss the need in New Haven for a student-run free clinic
2005
Relationship begins with Fair Haven Community Health Center; Student leadership board established; First patients seen on November 12, 2005
2006
Clinic continued community outreach and refined policies & procedures
2007
Established goals and protocols to maintain a high quality of patient care, developed the Latent Tuberculosis Initiative and training of “TB Advocates"
2008
Established financial sustainability through a grant from the Gilead Foundation, initiated the Women’s Group, to provide psychosocial support
2009
Re-examined HAVEN’s mission and redefined the clinic as a “portal to care"
2010
Formalized clinic leadership structure, establishment of the Jones-HAVEN Fellowship, began Zumba classes in clinic, expanded educational opportunities
2011
Goetsch Endowment established through a gift from John A. Jones, FHCHC-HAVEN 40th/5th Anniversary Celebration, first Board Retreat, Bylaws written
2012
Crafted a long-term strategic plan, created the Behavioral Health Program, presented at IHI's Annual Forum, Published a paper in PLoS OONE on preventive care
2013
Transitioned to electronic health records; Student Run Free Clinics Conference; Commence alcohol & tobacco cessation; Partnership established with Yale Law
2014
Began a health insurance screening & enrollment program in partnership with Project Access, joined the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics