Lila and Briley developed a novel social determinants of health (SDOH) screening tool to determine barriers to medication access within an underserved patient population in Mobile, AL. They then connected the patients who reported barriers to community resources such as the state health insurance program, a local charitable pharmacy, or the clinic social worker. To close the referral loop, they followed up with these patients to learn about their experiences with community resources, their current ability to access medications, and their emotional response to being involved in this intervention. They were able to meet and interact with a diverse group of underserved patients to better understand their individual needs and improve their outlook on the healthcare system. They created trusting relationships with patients, medical residents, clinic staff, and leaders of local community resources to become contributing members not only of the clinic but also of the greater Mobile community. 

As a result of the project:

• 67 patients were screened by Fellows at Stanton Road Clinic
• 61% of screened patients reported at least one barrier to accessing their medication and were assisted by Fellows
• 61 interventions were made including referrals to community resources or general counseling on medication adherence techniques
• 40% of patients who received an intervention were contacted at follow-up and 5 patients reported having contacted a community resource
• 100% of patients polled at follow-up stated that this intervention made them feel more in control of their own health and that they enjoyed the direct, open discussion
• 90% of patients polled at follow-up stated that this intervention made them feel valued as a person rather than solely as a patient