Pediatric Prevention Clinic

In 2018, the CARES student-run free clinic started the Pediatric Prevention Clinic (PPC) in response to their adult patients’ concern that their children were at risk of suspension from school due to delinquency in DHEC mandated vaccines. Since then, CARES has partnered with Charleston County School District (CCSD) nurses to provide free vaccinations to uninsured or underinsured children.

The clinic is staffed by volunteers, including interprofessional students, CCSD staff, community members, and licensed preceptors. In a single day, the clinic has served up to 183 students and provided upwards of 500 vaccinations to keep children safe from preventable diseases and avoid suspension from school due to non-adherence to vaccine schedules. In doing so, CARES provides a broader public health service and diminishes the chance of these children missing vital education as a building block to their future success. Other services provided during PPC include distribution of free books, clothing, school supplies, food, and menstrual supplies.

CARES also facilitates referrals to community resources to help adults and families address health-related social needs. Originally funded by a private donor, the CARES Clinic has since secured VFC approval to continue providing vaccines free of charge to the children who need them, and is further supported by private donations for non-vaccine supplies.

For more information, please contact Maria Camargo, Connor Anderson, or Natalia Cordova.

Maritere Nazario-Tapia, M.D.
Pediatric Prevention Clinic Director