Spi Medical Clinic

The South Park Inn Medical Clinic is a student-managed medical clinic serving the homeless community of Hartford, Connecticut. The clinic opened its doors in October, 1987 by a group of medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. For the past 15 years, the clinic has served over 750 patients per year, providing primary care, counseling and information for the community of the South Park Inn Shelter, in Hartford's south end.

The clinic is open weekly and is staffed by hundreds of student volunteers and supervised by community physicians who donate their time. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, clinic volunteers see 10 to 15 shelter residents ranging in age from 1 to 80 years old, with medical problems, concerns about safety, and hygiene. The primary goal of the clinic is to provide much-needed medical attention to the residents of South Park Inn, while providing an opportunity for medical students to become familiar with the special needs of a homeless population. The clinic is equipped to diagnose and treat minor medical and psychiatric problems and refer patients to area hospitals and support services when required.

The hard work of the volunteers at the clinic has been recognized by the State of Connecticut.

• In April 1993, the student board of directors was presented with the Connecticut Higher Education Community Service Award for our dedication to serving the homeless population of Hartford.
• In 2000, the physicians serving the clinic were awarded community service honors by the Hartford County Medical Society.
• In April 2002, student volunteers were recognized as "Connecticut Treasures" by State Lt. Governor M. Jodi Rell for their commitment to providing health care to the Hartford homeless community.