Since 2002, the Neighborhood Health Project (NHP) has been providing free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings for those within the New Haven community. Throughout the years, it remains an interdisciplinary collaboration between students at Yale School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Public Health, and the Physician Associate Program.
In April 2012, NHP received a Yale University Seton Elm-Ivy Award for its contributions to New Haven, recognized for “providing education and improving access to health care for low-income patient populations in New Haven. … the volunteers serve a vital role as medical brokers, explaining the context of a patient’s results and offering simple steps to improve a patient’s health status within his or her means. By ensuring access to community primary care centers in the New Haven area such as Hill Health Center, Fair Haven Community Health Center, and HAVEN Free Clinic, NHP plays a central part in providing continuity of care for those most at risk.”
We went from a team of volunteer physicians to an interdisciplinary team encompassing APRN and PA providers as well. On average, we see 20-40 patients every Saturday, operating on most Saturdays throughout the year under the supervision of an attending medical provider.
In light of the COVID-19 health crisis, NHP transitioned into a fully outdoor clinic space for fall 2020. Upon ongoing guidance from the Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Nursing, and our 3 medical advisors, we were able to execute a safe re-opening plan for this semester. We are grateful that all volunteers and student directors remained COVID-19 negative this semester and fully complied with the safety measures in place. In light of our ongoing commitment to serving the New Haven community members who seek our healthcare screening services, NHP is now open from March 3rd, 2024 to July 13th, 2024.