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Duke University partners with N.C. health centers to help community

Durham -- the "City of Medicine" -- was not living up to its reputation for health-care excellence, so the Duke medical school reached out to lend a hand.

Alma Delia Torres, 8, has her ears checked by Reyna Martinez at the Holton Wellness Center in Durham.
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The clinic is part of Duke University's plan to improve community-based health care by serving people who are often uninsured.

Alma Delia Torres, 8, has her ears checked by Reyna Martinez at the Holton Wellness Center in Durham.

The clinic is part of Duke University's plan to improve community-based health care by serving people who are often uninsured.

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

The Holton Wellness Center opened in Durham last year, and it is one of several that were created as part of a community health initiative.

The Holton Wellness Center opened in Durham last year, and it is one of several that were created as part of a community health initiative.

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

Shekkita Acker treats Hannah Littrell at the Holton Wellness Center.
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It's not uncommon for patients at Holton to say that they would have gone to the emergency room if the clinic didn't exist.

Shekkita Acker treats Hannah Littrell at the Holton Wellness Center.

It's not uncommon for patients at Holton to say that they would have gone to the emergency room if the clinic didn't exist.

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

Shekkita Acker treats Tamara Covington for a migraine.
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"You name it, we see it," said Corliss Galloway, project coordinator at Holton. "We've seen diabetes, hypertension, a lot of chronic diseases."

Shekkita Acker treats Tamara Covington for a migraine.

"You name it, we see it," said Corliss Galloway, project coordinator at Holton. "We've seen diabetes, hypertension, a lot of chronic diseases."

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

Toribia Rojo waits with her 8-year-old daughter, background, who came to the clinic for her annual physical.
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The Duke community model is being closely watched by the Obama administration as a possible template for widespread health-care reform.

Toribia Rojo waits with her 8-year-old daughter, background, who came to the clinic for her annual physical.

The Duke community model is being closely watched by the Obama administration as a possible template for widespread health-care reform.

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

Shekkita Acker gives a prescription to Tamara Covington.
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The clinic aims to greatly reduce the number of emergency-room visits by people who might lack insurance.

Shekkita Acker gives a prescription to Tamara Covington.

The clinic aims to greatly reduce the number of emergency-room visits by people who might lack insurance.

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

Alma Delia Torres, 8, undergoes an eye exam as her mother, Toribia Rojo, keeps watch.
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"If you look at this country, the best medical centers sit in places with the worst health statistics," Duke's health affairs chancellor said. " ... We can't just wait for sick people to come to us."

Alma Delia Torres, 8, undergoes an eye exam as her mother, Toribia Rojo, keeps watch.

"If you look at this country, the best medical centers sit in places with the worst health statistics," Duke's health affairs chancellor said. " ... We can't just wait for sick people to come to us."

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

Reyna Martinez is among the Spanish-speakers at Holton, whose patients are a diverse cross section of Durham's population.
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All told, three newer clinics in the city receive about 7,500 visitors a year, a majority of whom are uninsured.

Reyna Martinez is among the Spanish-speakers at Holton, whose patients are a diverse cross section of Durham's population.

All told, three newer clinics in the city receive about 7,500 visitors a year, a majority of whom are uninsured.

Jason Arthurs for The Washington Post

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This Story At Duke University, an experiment in community health care Article \| DURHAM, N.C. - This so-called City of Medicine has long represented the highs and lows of the U.S. medical system: It has a private medical school with a proud and profitable tradition of producing experts in such specialties as neurology and gynecology - and a population riven by diabetes, obesi... Duke University partners with N.C. health centers to help community		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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