JeffHOPE (Health Opportunities, Prevention & Education) is a student-run organization of Sidney Kimmel Medical College that aims to improve access to health care for the homeless and underserved population of Philadelphia, as well as to educate students, residents, and faculty members about medical issues, homelessness and poverty. It was formed in 1991 by a group of medical students who saw a need in the homeless community for proper medical care and the potential opportunities for health professionals to reach out to this population.

From the start, JeffHOPE’s focus has been the provision of medical care through free clinics. We currently operate five clinics at homeless shelters and one clinic in conjunction with Prevention Point Philadelphia, a non-profit syringe exchange program. At all of our clinics, teams of students and health professionals work together to provide quality care for our patients.

JeffHOPE is one of the largest and most active student organizations of Jefferson, involving more than 700 medical and nursing students and over 50 faculty members. Our clinics are responsible for over 5,000 patient visits per year. The program receives a great deal of support from the University and Hospital, especially from the Departments of Family & Community Medicine and Medicine - Division of Internal Medicine. JeffHOPE is led by student Steering Committees and student directors. Our faculty advisor is James Plumb, MD, MPH.