Continuity of Care and Lifestyle Intervention Programs for Spanish-Speaking Immigrants Without Health Insurance at a Free Clinic in Rhode Island

Introduction: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate changes in metabolic biomarkers among participants in Bridging the [Health Equity] Gap (BTG), a free program run by Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic (CEHC) for Spanish-speaking immigrants without health insurance in Rhode Island. Methods: ), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 21 months after enrollment. We used paired t tests to identify changes in measurements and conducted a regression analysis to analyze trends in longitudinal patient outcomes. Results: and blood glucose measurements above trendlines. Conclusion: The BTG program demonstrated resilience in supporting improvement in the metabolic biomarkers of participants, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the continued engagement of participants in self-care despite limited health care access, and underscores the positive role of free clinics among low-income, Spanish-speaking immigrants.