Jacksonville Urban Disparity Initiative

In 2008, Shands Jacksonville mobilized the Jacksonville Urban Disparity Initiative, encompassing eight clinical programs, 12 community programs and nine clinics. Although most of the programs were already in existence, JUDI was formed to unite the efforts under one umbrella with a common goal– to reduce the health disparities identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that adversely impact residents with a low socioeconomic status.

Clinical and community programs at Shands Jacksonville

Shands Jacksonville offers clinical and disease management programs for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, COPD and hypertension. Through Free Scripts, Shands partners with pharmacies to offer prescription medications to patients unable to pay. More than 300 patients participate, and nearly 13,500 prescriptions have been filled since 2008.

Shands Jacksonville also offers community response programs to address issues such as childhood obesity, infant mortality, sickle cell, HIV/AIDS and other blood disorders. To address infant mortality, Little Miracles hosts three baby showers a year, each one attracting 700-800 expectant mothers and their families.

Shands Jacksonville clinics

Throughout Jacksonville’s urban core, UF faculty physicians serve more than 65,000 uninsured and insured patients each year by providing routine health screenings, disease counseling, case management and education at nine outpatient clinics. The clinics have flexible hours of operation and same-day walk-in services are available to decrease unnecessary/improper use of Emergency Departments.

Shands Jacksonville Trauma Prevention Program

The trauma team hosts more than 100 events each year, reaching between 15,000 and 20,000 people. Programs include:

Turning Point: Rethinking Violence, a program to reduce recidivism among first-time juvenile offenders involved in violent crimes

Child Passenger Safety, a program that promotes safe use of car seats through educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations, car-seat and booster seat giveaways

WHALE (We Have A Little Emergency), an education and identification program for parents with children in booster and car seats

Think First for Teens, a program designed to educate and motivate students to take preventive action for their own health and safety

Home Safety, a simulated, “hands-on” opportunity for parents and their children to learn about home safety

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