Health Advocacy Clinic

The Health Advocacy Clinic is a medical-legal partnership between NIU Law, Hesed House — the second largest homeless shelter in Illinois — and Aunt Martha's Health Center, a federally-qualified health center.

Issues facing homeless persons are multifaceted and complex. Poverty and poor health may increase the level of daily stress. Health issues can lead to other stressors, such as insurance problems, missed work and even mobility or breathing issues that make everyday activities more difficult. Likewise, socio-environmental issues such as homelessness, lack of food and violence can contribute to poor health. While these issues are beyond the scope of a medical professional, they directly impact a person’s health and well-being. A team of professionals in medicine, law and social work can work together in an integrated fashion to begin addressing these unmet needs.

Clinical faculty and students address legal issues impeding good health by assisting clients with accessing public benefits such as Social Security, Medicaid and SNAP. They assist clients with advanced care planning, such as completing powers of attorney for health care. Additionally, students represent clients with expunging or sealing criminal records and legal name changes. They interview and counsel clients, perform legal research and writing, and advocate on behalf of clients in court (if the student has a 711 license) and/or before administrative agencies.

The intervention of an attorney and law students enhances the care provided to clients on-site at Hesed House. For example, if a client became homeless because he or she can no longer work due to medical conditions, an attorney can help that client apply for or appeal the denial of Social Security disability benefits. A malnourished patient who lacks the funds to buy food may need assistance applying for food stamps or another type of public assistance. Ultimately, resolving these issues reduces stress levels and improves health.

Students also educate the residents of Hesed House about their legal rights and work closely with medical providers from Aunt Martha’s Health Center and staff members of Hesed House in this medical-legal partnership.

Certificate in Civil Advocacy

Successfully completing the requirements for the NIU Law Health Advocacy Clinic also satisfies the capstone experience required for obtaining the Certificate in Civil Advocacy.

Clinic Details and Requirements

• Professor: Colleen Boraca, clinical associate professor
• Location: Hesed House, Aurora, IL
• Credits and Grading: four credits, pass/fail
• Max. Enrollment: eight students
• Prerequisites: Professional Responsibility (643), which may be taken concurrently with the clinic.

Clinic Components and Hours

Registration

After registering on MyNIU, you must complete a Clinic Information Form for scheduling and a 711 License application, which is recommended.

711 Requirement

There is no 711 license requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Students in their second semester of their 2L year are eligible as long as they are currently taking or have taken Professional Responsibility (643).

Orientation Requirement

Students must attend an orientation for the clinical program, which is generally held on the Thursday or Friday of the week prior to the beginning of the semester. Clinic orientation is not required for the summer semester.

Seminar Class and Clinical Component

• Seminar Class: One hour and 50 minutes each week during fall and spring semesters. The date, time and room will be announced the same as other classes. See Professor Boraca for summer semester details.
• Clinical Component: In addition to the seminar class, students must spend 12 hours per week on case work. Students must be present at the Health Advocacy Clinic a minimum of eight hours per week. See Professor Boraca for summer semester details.

Additional Clinic Hours

Students must be available to work on behalf of clients at additional times to meet the total clinic hour requirement each week. These hours may be completed from campus or elsewhere.