ABH | The Foundation: A Decade of Commitment to the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic
ABH | The Foundation Board Members tour Phillips Neighborhood Clinic on March 24th with Medical Director Dr. Brian Sick.
Pictured L to R: David Hamlar, Elisabeth Hurliman, Becky Timm, Brian Sick, Pete Stiles, and Brittany Dosland
For more than a decade, ABH | The Foundation has been a proud supporter of the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic (PNC), a cornerstone of accessible healthcare in the Minneapolis community. In 2024, our funding helped cover essential costs, including prescription medications, laboratory services, clinic rent, free eyeglasses, and dental equipment.
Our connection to PNC runs deep—not just in funding but in personal commitment. Several members of our Foundation’s Board once served at the PNC during their medical school years, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of its work.
Why Phillips Neighborhood Clinic Matters
PNC is more than just a clinic; it is a beacon of hope for those with limited access to healthcare. Its mission is threefold:
Expanding Access to Healthcare: Providing comprehensive, patient-centered, quality services to patients with unmet medical needs.
Developing Future Health Professionals: Offering an interprofessional, team-based learning environment to nurture compassionate, culturally sensitive caregivers.
Supporting Community Health & Partnerships: Strengthening community ties and promoting overall well-being in the neighborhoods it serves.
The clinic operates on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ensuring care for those who might otherwise go without. Importantly, PNC offers Spanish interpreter services to better serve its largely Spanish-speaking patient population.
A Legacy of Service and Dedication
The Phillips Neighborhood Clinic was founded on the vision of Dr. John Song, a professor of medicine and bioethics at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Song saw the potential for students to establish and operate a free clinic dedicated to serving uninsured and underinsured individuals. His vision was realized through the passion and hard work of University of Minnesota health professional students, who continue to run the clinic today. In 2007, Dr. Brian Sick, an assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and the Medical Director for the University of Minnesota, became the clinic’s medical director.
PNC also fosters deep community engagement through its Community Advisory Board (CAB), a team of local residents and clinic volunteers who meet monthly to address concerns, share insights, and plan initiatives to strengthen the Phillips community.
Extending Care Beyond Barriers
Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, Minneapolis, MN
In addition to providing medical and dental care, PNC offers a comprehensive range of services to support the overall well-being of its patients. These include mental health assessments, nutrition guidance, physical and occupational therapy, and specialized care for both adults and children. To ensure holistic, wraparound support, PNC also provides access to community health workers and legal services, addressing social determinants of health and enhancing patient outcomes.
PNC’s commitment to holistic care extends even to pets through VeTouch, a volunteer-driven nonprofit led by veterinary students. This initiative offers free physical exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments to the pets of low-income and unhoused residents ensuring that no family, human or animal, is left without care.
Our Promise to Continue the Mission
ABH | The Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to PNC. Through our financial support, we help ensure that this vital clinic continues to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to those who need it most. We are honored to stand with PNC in its mission and look forward to many more years of impact together.