Impact assessment of gentrification on federally qualified health centers in Chicago: 1990–2003

• Main Author: Al-Kodmany, Ahlam
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2005
• Subjects: Area planning & development; Area Planning and Development; Clinics; Community health care; Gentrification; Impact analysis; Public health; Studies
• ISBN: 0542120933; 9780542120930

Gentrification has influenced numerous aspects of urban life, and there has been a wealth of research that addresses its impact including the social, economic, physical, health, and political aspects. However, there has been little or no study of the impact of gentrification on Federally Qualified Healthcare Clinics (FQHCs) or Community Health Clinics. FQHCs and CHCs are the prime providers of heath services to the poor in under-served communities across America. The importance of FQHCs as front-line providers has increased as more and more of Chicago's working poor are employed in jobs without health benefits. Since gentrification influences community demographics, lives and social characteristics, it is likely that gentrification has affected the operations and clientele of FQHCs. Nevertheless, how gentrification impacts FQHCs remains unknown. This study seeks to understand the relationship between gentrification and FQHC operations in communities undergoing gentrification. The state of FQHCs in gentrifying and non-gentrifying communities of Chicago between 1990 and 2003—a period that represented a gentrification peak in Chicago was examined. The analyses was two-fold. The first looks at utilization rates and the second was through interviews of FQHCs' Chief Executive Officers. The comparison focused on four characteristics of FQHCs: (1) the socio-economic status (SES) of FQHCs patients and communities, (2) levels of utilization, (3) provision of services, (4) federal funding levels. Interviews were conducted to determine if and how FQHCs are strategically and organizationally adapting in light of gentrification using the Miles and Snow Typology. Findings of the quantitative analyses measuring the average utilization in 1996, 2000 and 2003 shows that although gentrification is increasing in many census tracts and communities across Chicago, the rate of utilization continues to increase. In addition, interviews show that some FQHCs are fully aware of demographic and socio-economic changes related to gentrification and have consequently taken steps to adapt. Others are aware and do not see any urgency in making plans regarding gentrification. This in part is due to the belief that it is not at their doorstep, nor will it be for at least a decade or two.