Shortly after President Donald Trump entered office, the clinic saw a decline in patients and in federal dollars.
In response, the clinic’s employees reached out to patients about the additional precautions it’s taking to keep them safe. Now, months later, they’re returning.
People’s Health Clinic CEO Mairi Leining said, with the federal funding cuts, the clinic has lost $57,000 over the last two months.
Leining said the private nonprofit doesn’t directly receive federal money.
However, it gets state funding which comes from federal block grants.
In March the clinic learned $27,000 grants it expected from the state through the COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act this year and next year were no longer coming.
The Trump administration also cut hundreds of millions in AmeriCorps grants which cost the clinic another $30,000 this year.
In addition to the federal reductions, Leining said fear in the Latino community has hindered everyday tasks in general.
She said self deporting is not an option for many who left their countries to escape violent and uncertain conditions. For her, seeking asylum and safety across the border is a human right.
By revoking social security numbers under impermanent status, Leining said a number of people in the Latino community have lost their ability to work legally.
“Almost all of our patients, or adult patients, pay taxes in good faith, with the understanding that if they show that they've been contributing every year, it will help them on their path to citizenship,” Leining said on KPCW’s “Local News Hour.”
Historically, the IRS kept information for undocumented individuals private, she said. Now there are concerns the agency is sharing data with ICE.
“And these are individuals who actively contribute to our economy,” Leining said. “They're filling all the essential tourism jobs in Park City, paying taxes and now that could potentially get used against them.”
She is worried the erosion of trust in public institutions could prevent people from seeking services they need.
That’s why Leining said the clinic is making an extra effort to help the Latino community feel safe to receive needed medical care.
One way is through transportation. While many licensed patients have cars, she said they are afraid to drive to the clinic, fearing any potential encounter with law enforcement.
So the nonprofit secured funding for them to take ride-shares to and from Summit and Wasatch counties.
Leining said the clinic also has created a patient advisory committee to help it understand the concerns and fears in the Latino community. The 10 members guide the clinic’s strategic decisions to best serve its patients.
The People’s Health Clinic annual Walk & Wine event at Stein Erickson is Sunday, June 22. It starts with a hike or yoga, followed by a wine lunch and discussions about the ways the clinic provides needed services in the Wasatch Back.
See this story in Spanish here.
