About - The Friendship Clinic "Your Bridge to Health"

In the fall of 2002, group of senior Boise State University nursing students were asked by Marie Blanchard, the Parish Nurse at All Saint’s Episcopal Church, to help conduct a health needs assessment in the Boise Bench area. The goal of the assessment was to determine whether the community was in need of a free health care clinic, what the perceived needs of the community were, what population would use the clinic, and what health resources already existed. The students developed and conducted two separate surveys; one for leaders within the community and one for the individual members living in the community. A total of two hundred and sixty three interviews were conducted and it was determined that a perceived need for a free health care clinic does indeed exist.

After tabulating the data it was determined that the needs of community included low cost/ free health care, health promotion/disease prevention services and education. Ultimately the student team recommended that a free health care clinic be established offering services that would include:

- Health care screenings to promote health and prevent illness such as blood pressure, diabetic, cholesterol, weight, hearing and vision screenings.
- Education classes regarding nutrition, parenting, prenatal care, lifestyle choices and more.
- Provisions of food, clothing and over the counter medications.
- Referrals to other community agencies for specific needs and services.

In the spring of 2003 two members of the student team continued to assist with the development of The Friendship Clinic. Their goals were to increase community awareness and support for a free health care clinic. The students developed and distributed an information brochure outlining the mission, goals and needs of The Friendship Clinic. A Community Action Potluck was hosted at All Saint’s Episcopal Church in order to raise awareness and support among individuals and organizations within the community. The potluck was a resounding success with many community members coming forth to offer encouragement and support for the development of a free health care clinic.

The clinic is currently seeking to establish a broad base of professional and non-professional volunteers, develop a steering committee/Board of Directors, develop an operational budget, establish non profit, tax-exempt status, and develop a fundraising committee. As a grassroots organization there are many goals to accomplish and tasks to complete. In working towards moving this project forward and nearing the realization of the establishment of a free clinic, help is needed in all areas of development.

Currently, the clinic is planning to be opened one night per week and will be located within All Saint’s Episcopal Church. Though located at the church the clinic will be established as a separate entity with non-profit tax-exempt status. The clinic foresees serving low income uninsured individuals and families including the large migrant/refugee population residing in the community. We are working towards an opening date Summer 2004 and hope that with your help this vision will become a reality!