Many low-income Iowans find themselves in an endless cycle of health related issues, frequently treating symptoms rather than causes. Often the chronic nature of a problem arises from insufficient knowledge or denial of an available health care benefit, or continued exposure to exacerbating circumstances. In many cases the systemic cause of the cycle of poor health truly lies in the legal arena more than the health field.
This project based on a model started by the Family Advocacy Program at the Boston Medical Clinic, seeks to improve the lives of low-income Iowans by addressing the legal issues behind their continued health related challenges, while providing the added value of reducing the health care expenses of both the client and the community. The project, currently operating in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Ottumwa, Marshalltown, and Des Moines, is a partnership with Primary Health Care Inc.
This project was supported by Grant No. 2008-DD-BX-0219 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Office for Victims of Crime. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not represent the official position or policies of the United States Department of Justice.
The support of Boston Medical College is also acknowledged.
Additional support and funding is made possible through the contributions of the Iowa State Bar Foundation, Medical-Legal Partnership, Pfizer, Polk County Board of Supervisors, Musco Lighting, Iowa West Foundation.
Expansion in Polk County will make possible the delivery of services through Broadlawns, Polk County Health Department and Polk County Mental Health Services.
Information about available services and about the law affecting low-income Iowans can also be found at www.iowalegalaid.org