The Johnstown Free Medical Clinic will potentially be branching out to the Northern Cambria community.

SFU public health students have proposed opening a clinic at this location.

Students of courses taught by Mrs. Allison Messina and Dr. Trina Thompson collaborated on the project last fall.

The students were taught how to research community needs, handle budgets, effect behavior changes at the community level, and create educational and marketing materials for the new clinic.

“I have a relationship with the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic,” said Thompson, “so I asked [Rosalie Danchanko] if she had any projects on her wish list that she has not been able to get to.

“She shared her vision of opening a free health clinic in the Northern Cambria area.”

After aggressive work throughout the semester, the students organized their proposal into a full package and presented it to Danchanko and her physicians during finals week.

“I was speechless and so impressed with all the students did,” Danchanko said. “Without this project, it would be years before it could open because I work with a full volunteer staff.

“We don’t have the time to devote to all the research and planning.”

Thompson saw benefits for both Danchanko and her staff and SFU’s students.

“This project was a win-win for everyone,” she said.

“The community benefited from a large team project and the students were immersed in a real-world public health need and project – and the school fulfilled its mission.”