2024-25 Augusta University Outstanding Partner Award

Thank you to our medical students who nominated us for the Augusta University Outstanding Partner Award. We are humbled by your kind words and dedication to serving the community.

This award is given to a community partner who has demonstrated a noteworthy collaboration with Augusta University and provided meaningful opportunities for students to engage in and learn from the community. This is the first time since the inception of ALAS that we have been selected.

Below is the letter the MCG medical students wrote:

ALAS is a non-profit organization established in October 2005 to provide quality and equitable healthcare to the expanding Spanish-speaking population in the CSRA. Since then, ALAS's mission has expanded to advance health equity in the CSRA by providing services to any uninsured, homeless, and inhabitants living below 200% of the federal poverty level. This commitment to serving the community has led to significant growth in both our services and volunteer base. Our ALAS volunteer community has thrived because of the involvement of Augusta University (AU). In 2024, 75 licensed providers with MD, NP, PA, and DO degrees, 2 dental providers, 2 mental health counselors, and one pharmacist provided services through ALAS. AU student volunteers have been integral to success, including in Spanish medical interpreting services. In 2024, 150 students volunteered with student-run free clinics involved in patient care.

Building on our success and recognizing the increasing demand for our services, ALAS took a major step forward in expanding its reach and capabilities. In 2023, ALAS opened Centro Médico, a freestanding clinic to meet the needs of our diverse patient population and improve community health. The establishment of Centro Médico has allowed ALAS to diversify its services and cater to a wider range of healthcare needs through specialized clinics. Centro Médico is the medical home for ten student- run free clinics, including Clínica Latina, Pediatric Clinic, Women's Health Clinic, Mental Health Clinic, Dermatology Clinic, Musculoskeletal Clinic, Vision Clinic, Halo Clinic, Surgery Clinic, and APIDA Clinic (see below for specific descriptions). Recognizing the unique challenges faced by certain populations, ALAS has developed targeted initiatives to address their specific needs. These clinics are dedicated to serving those who are homeless, uninsured, and living below 200% of the federal poverty level. Centro Medico is dedicated to caring for patients without discrimination against race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender, or culture. Currently, three clinics are staffed to meet the needs of traditionally marginalized or discriminated against communities, encouraging their engagement with unbiased healthcare providers. The partnership between ALAS and AU has created a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances both community health care and student education. All clinics are staffed by volunteers from the AU’s health professions schools and led by MCG medical students, providing volunteers with an intimate awareness of primary care medicine needs and career opportunities. These clinics not only offer essential health services but also serve as important clinical volunteer opportunities for health professions students to train in primary care and understand the complex needs of our community. The impact of ALAS extends beyond immediate healthcare provision, fostering a culture of community service and social responsibility among future healthcare professionals. Below are examples of some of the services that ALAS supports in our community.

In collaboration with the Richmond County School System, the ALAS Pediatric Clinic hosts monthly "Peds 2U" Saturday clinics at various school sites to reduce transportation barriers and enhance access to healthcare for underserved children and adolescents in Augusta. This initiative brings together physicians, PAs, dentists, mental health professionals, and student volunteers to provide comprehensive healthcare services. These include sick visits; wellness exams; school and sports physics; vision, hearing, nutrition, and dental screenings; fluoride applications; counseling; and Spanish interpretation. Through ALAS's partnership with GA Prevent Blindness "Sight for Students" Program, eligible patients receive vouchers for free optometry consultations and glasses. Pending grant approval for a medical-grade transport refrigeration unit, Peds 2U aims to offer free childhood immunizations through the DPH Vaccines for Children Program.

Through a partnership with Prevent Blindness Georgia (PBGA), the Vision Clinic provides vision and ophthalmic screenings to adult and pediatric patients. Students conduct screenings at community health fairs and events, including student-run primary care clinics. The PBGA partnership allows screenings to include non-mydriatic fundus imaging for retinopathy detection. Through a Lions Club partnership, pediatric screenings use a Spot Screener for auto-refraction and detection of strabismus and astigmatism. Positive screenings lead to free optometric examinations for corrective lens prescriptions or ophthalmologist referrals. These community partnerships enable mobile screening services for patients lacking access to care and transportation and promote vision health education.

Halo Clinic provides addiction care for individuals at any point in their substance use journey. This community often faces stigma and struggles to find reliable health care services. The clinic works closely with the Hale Foundation, a recovery center for individuals with a history of substance abuse. Halo Clinic hosts monthly clinics to provide primary care to manage chronic conditions, dental screenings, and recovery-specific treatment and support. This clinic is staffed with volunteer addiction medicine physicians and other primary care physicians to ensure tailored services match individual needs. Halo Clinic supports substance abuse patients from the Hale Foundation and others across Augusta with judgment-free care during difficult times.

In conclusion, ALAS has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing health equity in the CSRA region. ALAS has significantly expanded its reach and impact through its extensive network of volunteer healthcare professionals, dedicated student volunteers, and the establishment of Centro Médico. The organization's targeted initiatives, such as the Pediatric Clinic's "Peds 2U" program, the Vision Clinic's partnerships, and the Halo Clinic's addiction care services, showcase its ability to address diverse healthcare needs within the community. ALAS's collaboration with AU has not only enhanced community healthcare but also provided invaluable learning experiences for future healthcare professionals. The organization's unwavering dedication to serving uninsured, homeless, and low-income individuals, regardless of their background, truly embodies the spirit of community partnership. ALAS's innovative approaches and far-reaching impacts make it a highly deserving candidate for the Community Partner Award.

Vilma Colon-Oliver

President of ALAS accepting the award.