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 identified a need in the homeless community for proper medical care.

Although JeffHOPE provides medical care through free clinics, our focus foremost centers to improve our patients’ access to long-term care and address the social determinants that impact their health. We currently operate four 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 and resource referral 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 Robert Motley, MD.