News
January 26th, 2024
Our Time with the Ithaca Free Clinic, A Site Visit Story
In a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between theory and practice, our Chief Equity & Community Engagement Officer Gloria Coicou was joined by a group of Cornell MBA students, led by Carla Marie Ingrando, on a site visit to the Ithaca Free Clinic. Nestled in the heart of the community, the clinic has become a haven for those in need, providing compassionate and top-notch healthcare to individuals who might otherwise go without.
Upon arriving, the students were warmly welcomed by the executive director, Norbert McCloskey, whose passion for the clinic’s mission was palpable. He led the group through a brief history lesson and talked about the various services offered by the clinic, shedding light on the comprehensive care they provide to the underserved population of Ithaca. Internal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, optometry…the list goes on, it was quite impressive. Not surprising, the MBA students asked many questions relating to the business model because all services are ‘free’. Like he always does, Norbert answers the questions with wonderful, heartfelt stories.
The Ithaca Free Clinic operates with a small, dedicated team of professionals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of their patients. The executive director shared insights into the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they implement to overcome resource constraints. We learned that the clinic relies heavily on volunteers and donors to keep the clinic operational. Despite the financial challenges, the clinic operates seamlessly, offering a range of services without compromising on quality. The executive director emphasized the crucial role that community support plays in sustaining their mission, and the Cornell students were inspired to witness the power of collective action.
Norbert demonstrated that patients, the lifeblood of the clinic, were at the center of every decision and action taken. Site visit participants were able to witness firsthand the positive impact of a community-driven approach to healthcare . They were completely engaged and thrilled by the great work happening at the clinic. The Ithaca Free Clinic serves as a testament to the power of collective goodwill and continues to be a cornerstone in our community. Be sure to check out the Ithaca Free Clinic or schedule a visit to learn more.
Won’t you join us on our site visit tour. Where to next…WRFI/Ithaca Community Radio! To RSVP for this and others, click HERE.
If you are interested in having us come out for a site visit or have any questions related to site visits, please connect with Gloria Coicou at gcoicou@cftompkins.org.