Characteristics of Clients Using a Free Health Center

Background: Approximately 46 million Americans are without adequate health insurance, and in conjunction with the rising costs of care, many people forgo treatment and preventative medical care. Often, the uninsured use emergency departments as their primary source of medical care. Free clinics serve as the foundation in providing primary care for the increasing uninsured population. Objectives: The main focus of this study explored the demographic characteristics of the clients using a free health clinic, the Champaign County Christian Health Center (CCCHC), in Champaign, Illinois as well as their emergency department (ED) utilization practices. Throughout the study, an emphasis was placed on the health disparities that exist across ethnic lines, the demographic makeup of those who used the clinic and the impact lacking adequate health care has on emergency department (ED) utilization. Methods: We surveyed 970 clients seen at the CCCHC. Demographic characteristics and utilization of alternative sources of healthcare were analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Our study found that minority, female clients and clients between the ages of 25-64 used the free clinic. In addition, a disproportionately high number of minorities used the clinic relative to their proportion in Champaign County. Compared to the national average (0.39), clients of the CCCHC were more likely to utilize the ED as a form of primary health care treatment, with an average of 1.04 visits per patient. This study emphasized the increasing need for primary health care to help alleviate emergency department overcrowding.