In response to the current H1N1 influenza outbreak, one organization in South Philadelphia is working with Penn students and professors to both treat and educate.
Volunteers at the nonprofit clinic Puentes de Salud — meaning “Bridges of Health” — are passing out pamphlets, hanging posters and preparing informal talks, all to circulate information on H1N1 signs and symptoms, as well as possible preventive measures.
The educational material on H1N1 is targeted toward a predominantly Latino immigrant community, telling individuals to “wash your hands and take precautions,” said Noemi Spinazzi, a volunteer at the clinic and a second-year student in the School of Medicine.
A “good portion are undocumented [immigrants],” said medicine professor Steven Larson, a founder of the clinic.
On any given night, the clinic serves on average 30-35 patients, Spinazzi estimated, a significant increase from the number of patients last year. There are usually only four doctors on staff each night, including volunteers.
Still, though the staff may be small, they serve an important purpose.
“They come to us because they don’t know how to speak English,” said Spinazzi.
In translating the brochures and fliers into English, Penn Language Link — a student-run organization made up of students from the Medical School and the School of Nursing, as well as undergraduates — works with Puentes de Salud. The translations are critical to communication between the doctors and the patients at the clinic, said Luiggi.
To interpret for a patient in a clinical setting, however, the volunteers must be certified, explained Hilda Luiggi, a founder of Penn Language Link and an associate director for the Medical School’s Office of Diversity and Community Outreach. The process to receive the certification — which comes from the state — involves a 16-hour training.
In addition to working with the patients, the clinic’s volunteers also seek other ways to reach out to the community.
Christine Nieves, a College senior and former volunteer at Puentes de Salud, is currently working to produce a public service announcement that will be broadcast on the local Telemundo show “En Portada,” which she cohosts. The 30-second PSA, said Nieves, is intended to inform patients in the community about H1N1.
The volunteers at the clinic come from a variety of schools. Volunteers in the past have come from Drexel University, Temple University, Haverford College, Jefferson Medical College and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The basis of support for the clinic comes from Penn, Larson said, and the Provost’s office has been strong particularly in the last six months.
According to Nieves, a majority of the volunteers are also Penn students.
“Without Puentes,” said Nieves, “people would be dying.”
