January 27, 2005
People’s Clinic at the YWCA Expands
Expansion aided by Premera Blue Cross and Shea Graham Construction donations
Spokane, Wash.: People’s Clinic flagship location has recently expanded its services and moved into additional quarters on the second floor at the YWCA in downtown Spokane. The additional 1,350 square feet of space directly across the hall from the existing (original) 900 square foot clinic space will house two mental health rooms, a conference/meeting room, and offices for the clinic manager and administrative assistant.
People’s Clinic, operated by the Washington State University Intercollegiate College of Nursing, was established in 1998 and is a network of nurse-managed community health care clinics for underserved populations. Traditional, mobile and satellite clinics provide health care and related services in Spokane and Yakima.
Located on the second floor of the YWCA at 829 W. Broadway Ave., the clinic is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and provides a full spectrum of primary health care services including general health services, immunizations, school sports physicals, women’s health, well child exams, mental health services, dental services via local provider contract and referrals to specialty services such as obstetrical and surgical services. The WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing is committed to making health care accessible to those who need it most. Insurance and vouchers are accepted at People’s Clinic, but services are provided regardless of the ability to pay. These services are made possible through federal grants, corporate and individual donors, foundations, college and university allocations, student fees and essential community collaborations.
An open house and community celebration will be held Jan. 31 from 12-2 p.m. to showcase the new space, furnishings and handiwork of the many individuals and community partners who contributed their time and talent to the clinic. Representatives from Premera Blue Cross, Shea Graham Construction, Foundation Northwest, People’s Clinic and the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing will be present to recognize the community collaboration and contributions toward the continued success of People’s Clinic.
“We have seen a significant increase in clients needing mental health counseling,” said Ken Ferro, outreach nursing service coordinator and manager for the People’s Clinic network of clinics. “The ability to have private and accessible mental health rooms is a true asset for our clinic.”
The clinic space was completely renovated and furnished with the help of Premera Blue Cross and Shea Graham Construction. Shea Graham donated their time and resources to the construction and remodel and contracted with Power City Electric for the electrical work.
“The continued support of Premera Blue Cross, Shea Graham Construction and other generous donors has made it possible for the clinic to continue providing outreach services in a safe and reliable location and to provide funding for necessary supplies and specialized medical equipment,” said Margaret Bruya, assistant dean for academic health services, professor and co-founder of People’s Clinic.
A $5,000 Premera impact grant allowed People’s Clinic staff to identify and purchase file cabinets, book cases, lamps, and paint for the clinic and uniforms and stethoscopes for nursing students. In addition to the grant, 18 Premera associates and family members gave the People’s Clinic at the YWCA a “face lift” in November. Employees volunteered side by side with People’s Clinic staff to help ready the new space for clients.
“Working to improve the health of Washington residents is important to Premera Blue Cross,” said Gail Keeling, Premera vice president and general manager for Eastern Washington operations. “People's Clinic provides help to the most needy within our community, and does so in a safe, supportive environment.”
Established in 1968, the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The college is the nation's oldest and most comprehensive nursing education consortium. Celebrating 36 years of world class nursing education, the college offers baccalaureate, graduate and professional development course work to nursing students enrolled through four consortium partners, EWU, Gonzaga, WSU and Whitworth College, and in five communities across the state. Each year the college educates more than 700 graduate and upper-division undergraduate students and prepares more entry-level nurses than any other state educational institution. For more information about the College of Nursing visit the Web site at nursing.wsu.edu.