The homeless population is of the most vulnerable when it comes to accessing healthcare: 50% - 62% suffer from hypertension, among other health issues that go undetected.
The Shelter Health Outreach Program (SHOP) is Penn's premier undergraduate organization that seeks to provide meaningful, hands-on clinical volunteering experiences by training volunteers to provide free blood pressure screenings at Philadelphia shelters through direct patient contact. SHOP's volunteering model comprises of 1) long-term, weekly volunteer sessions at our 7 partnered shelters and 2) the development and sustenance of our student-run mobile health clinics held twice per week in conjunction with Penn Medicine. Through these clinics, we reduce the financial and logistical barriers that vulnerable populations often face when trying to access healthcare. SHOP also aims to foster a tight-knit, internal community of volunteers through a consistent volunteer cohort system and social events!
At SHOP, we prioritize meaningful volunteering that is consistent, sustainable, and bidirectional. We seek to forge genuine, long-term connections with local Philadelphia residents and empower those who are unhoused to regain agency over their health through personal health tracking and primary care.
Check out our story on Penn Today: The Care They Need, Where They Are