Providence Health Care Supports GU Law Health & Justice Clinic

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Providence Health Care Community Benefit program has provided $50,000 to support the Gonzaga University School of Law's Health & Justice Clinic, an initiative of the law school's Legal Assistance program. The Clinic works with vulnerable individuals and families in the local community to address legal needs impacting their health.

According to research by the Washington State Supreme Court, more than 70 percent of low-income Washingtonians experience at least one civil legal problem each year. A vast majority of these issues go unaddressed, adversely impacting patients' health and well-being.

"Providence is making it possible for us to address these issues in a holistic way," says Barry Pfundt, director of the Health & Justice Clinic. "Their generous support means so much to me and the students and clients I work with."

The Health & Justice Clinic is an accredited course for law school upper-level students. Working in conjunction with Pfundt, students address issues that include, but are not limited to, housing, discrimination, public entitlements (Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration benefits, food assistance, etc.), and consumer protection.

Gonzaga Law students also work in the Clinic with medical professionals at Spokane Teaching Health Clinic, learning alongside medical residents and other medical sciences students about how doctors and lawyers can collaborate to improve patient health while lowering the cost of care.

For more information, please contact Kevin Carr, marketing manager for Gonzaga Law, at (509) 464 9901.