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SLU’s Health Resource Center Aims to Provide Continuity of Care for Kids

01/25/2018

Concerned about continuity of care for pediatric patients at Saint Louis University's Health Resource Center (HRC), a free clinic operated by medical school students under the guidance of SLU doctors, student leaders worked to find a solution.

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A patient is seen by SLU medical students at the Health Resource Center. Photo by Steve Dolan

They found one by shifting the clinic to the Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. The location may have changed, but medical students say the HRC mission remains the same. 

"We wanted to make sure we were still connecting patients with valuable resources and providing an educational experience for med students in their pre-clinical years," said Brittany Barley, community outreach coordinator for the HRC and a second-year medical student.

Barley said HRC student coordinators noticed a large spike of pediatric patients during the summer months when the clinic offered physicals needed for participating in school sports. SLUCare pediatricians assisting at the clinic were concerned about the number of children lacking a primary care physician.

"This is something that we've been looking into for more than two years," Barley said.

This move allows families to find a medical home within the Danis Pediatric Center.

Concerns were raised about whether transportation would be an issue if the clinic moved its hours from its location on North Kingshighway to the Danis Center at Cardinal Glennon. A survey among the patients coming to the HRC found that not to be the case.

"Once we realized that transportation wasn't going to be an issue, it made sense to move it," Barley said. "We still have our volunteers there to help address resource needs and it works well to be immersed in the pediatric clinic," Barley said. 

The HRC first opened in 1994. First- and second-year medical school students take patient histories. Third- and fourth-year students conduct physicals, and a volunteer faculty member reviews all cases, answers questions and prescribes medication.

To help patients meet their basic needs, the HRC employs a social worker who helps patients tap into community resources; and an insurance navigator who helps patients apply for Medicaid and get connected with medical homes at federally funded community health care centers. 

In 2017, the HRC began offering clinics run by students training to be physician assistants and nursing students as well as a monthly geriatric clinic.

Clinics offered at the HRC include: 

Asthma and Allergy Clinic

Email hrc@slu.edu or call 314-389-0008 to schedule appointment. 

Cardiology Clinic

The Health Resource Center Cardiology Clinic allows patients who have cardiac conditions or who are at risk of developing cardiac conditions see a heart specialist at no cost. The clinic does not accept walk ins. Patients who are interested in the cardiology clinic should call 314-389-0008. This phone is answered during every Saturday morning clinic at the Health Resource Center. 

Diabetes Clinic

Email hrc@slu.edu or call 314-389-0008 to schedule appointment. 

Extended Services Clinic

The Extended Services Clinic is run by students in the Physician Assistant program at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This clinic offers:

  • Physical exams
  • Pregnancy and STD screening (including HIV)
  • Lab Tests (includes screening for Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol, Lead)
  • Hepatitis A Vaccinations for adults
  • Vaccinations for patients under 18 years of age*

This clinic is available on the first Tuesday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Registration is open from 4:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Foot Health Clinic
The Foot Health Clinic hopes to improve the livelihood of the transient population in St. Louis by offering basic foot health services. The clinic is offered on specified Wednesdays at St. Anthony's Food Pantry from 4- 6 p.m. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Geriatric Assessment Clinic
Held on the first Thursday of each month. Each appointment is approximately two hours and patients will be seen by medical, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, speech therapy and social work professionals. To schedule an appointment, contact the SLU Geriatrics Division Office at 314-977-8462. 
Nursing Clinic

The half-day clinic offers:

  • Physical exams
  • Pregnancy and STD screening (including HIV)
  • Lab Tests (includes screening for Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol, Lead)
  • TB tests
  • Hepatitis A Vaccinations for adults
Physical Therapy Clinic
Physical therapy students in the second and third year of their professional phase of education treat patients under the supervision of at least one licensed faculty member. The service is available from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Patients must have a valid prescription from a doctor and appointment to be seen. For more information, contact the clinic at sluprobonopt@gmail.com or 314-534-8822.
Primary Care Clinic

First come, first served. Arrive early.

  • Every Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Every Thursday - 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
  • First Tuesday of the month - 5-8 p.m.
SLU Sight

SLU Sight is a free vision service offered at the Health Resource Center. It relies on medical student, optometry student and ophthalmology resident volunteers. A partnership with Eye Care Charity of Mid-America allows the HRC to provide prescription glasses free of charge.

The following services are available through SLU Sight:

  • Free vision screenings
  • Comprehensive eye examinations
  • Prescription glasses

For more information, contact us at 314-696-2062. 

Well Woman Clinic
Email hrc@slu.edu or call 314-389-0008 to schedule appointment.

Patients with questions or who want to schedule an appointment for one of the specialty clinics may leave a voicemail at 314-389-0008 or email hrc@slu.edu. The Jesuit Health Resource Center does not take appointments for its primary care Saturday morning session; patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The annual HRC auction is Saturday, Jan. 27. The event accounts for more than 90 percent of the clinic's annual budget.


Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: cancer, liver disease, heart/lung disease, aging and brain disease, and infectious diseases.