PEOPLE SERVED:​

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The event occurs at Chicago Lake Coin Laundry across from the Midtown Global Market at the edge of the Phillips Neighborhood -- a neighborhood known for its rich diversity, as well as social and health disparities. In the past 3 months, despite waning funds, 52 loads of laundry have been provided to community members. In addition to the free loads of laundry, volunteers provide activities to occupy children and allow parents to focus on the task at hand or build community with others present. Volunteers also listen to the stories of those present, helping them to feel heard and connected.

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DATE: Every 3rd Tuesday, 6-9 pm

WHERE: Chicago Coin Lake Laundry 

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MEDICAL STUDENT PARTICIPATION:​

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The laundromat is nestled in the same neighborhood as the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis Children's Hospital, as well as many community clinics and is not far from HCMC. This project provides an opportunity for University of Minnesota medical students to interact with the community we serve outside of the hospital walls, to get a better sense of their patients as whole human beings -- rather than diagnosis or complaints. Many community members who attend are Hispanic, which provides an opportunity for medical students to practice speaking Spanish. Monthly emails are sent to all medical school classes, allowing all classes of students to participate in this opportunity, and we have had between 5-7 monthly volunteers since May 2018. We have intentionally worked on publicizing the event to be engaging and inclusive of all medical students this year.