Florence, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky College of Medicine/NKY is making significant strides in community service through its student-led clinic, CCRU (Compassionate Care Reaching yoU) Outreach. Founded in May 2022 by Dr. Holly Danneman and a dedicated group of medical students, the CCRU Clinic provides essential medical care to underserved populations in Northern Kentucky.
The clinic operates on two evenings a week at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, serving patients on a first-come-first-served basis. With the guidance of supervising physicians, medical students treat between five to ten patients each night, offering a range of services from free medical screenings to preventive care education. Critical support comes from local partners, including HealthPoint Family Care and various pharmacies that supply medications.
The driving force behind CCRU is the commitment to educate students through real-world interactions with patients. According to Emily Sharp, a co-manager and fourth-year medical student, “This experience is invaluable, providing us the chance to meet real patients and understand their stories. It has been monumental in my development as a medical student.”
The students have expanded their services and currently run a weekly clinic at the Florence Christian Church, participate in health fairs, and collaborate with local organizations like the ION Center and Journey Recovery LLC. Dr. Danneman emphasizes the importance of these opportunities, stating that firsthand patient contact is essential in shaping future healthcare providers.
Personal growth is echoed by other leadership members. Zoey Knox, also a fourth-year medical student and co-manager, notes that her involvement helps address healthcare disparities. “We all deserve accessible, compassionate healthcare, and CCRU allows us to be part of that change,” she said.
The outreach efforts extend beyond the clinic’s walls, with students actively seeking comprehensive solutions for those in need, including providing bus passes for patients to obtain prescriptions. Through these interactions, students are not only learning clinical skills but also developing a deep sense of empathy for their patients.
As their success continues, CCRU leaders aspire to establish a permanent free clinic with an onsite pharmacy. Current student Armin Razavi, a third-year medical student pursuing a career in emergency medicine, believes that CCRU has become an integral part of medical education, fostering a sense of community involvement and commitment to healthcare.
With hundreds of lives positively impacted since its inception, the CCRU Clinic is proving a vital link between education and public health, empowering students to become compassionate physicians dedicated to serving their communities. Efforts to support the clinic’s mission through donations are encouraged, ensuring its continued operation and expansion.
For more information on how to contribute, individuals can access the clinic’s Amazon supplies list for donations.
