WED-054 - Primary Care Access and Glycemic Control: Insights from Community Health Fairs in Miami-dade County

Brief Abstract Summary: Addressing healthcare challenges in South Florida requires a deeper understanding of primary care access among marginalized communities. Social determinants of health often limit access to primary care, placing underserved populations at greater risk for poor outcomes. Medical Students Working to Improve Society and Health (MedSWISH) is a student-led initiative offering free health screenings, education, and referrals to adults in Miami-Dade County. Participants in our study provided verbal consent (in English, Spanish, or Haitian-Creole) as approved by the Florida International University Institutional Review Board. Using data collected at local health fairs between January 2018 and October 2025, we will examine associations between primary care access and glycemic control across racial and ethnic groups. Identifying populations most affected by limited access and uncontrolled glucose levels will help guide community initiatives and promote health equity in a community-based setting.

Detailed abstract description: South Florida’s rapidly growing population has created a rising demand for healthcare services. With more than one-third of physicians expected to retire within the next decade, the shrinking workforce places great strain on the healthcare system and contributes to poorer health outcomes. Individuals with limited resources are disproportionately affected, as barriers to timely care increase their risk for adverse conditions. In Miami-Dade County, residents face additional challenges from social determinants of health such as lack of insurance and transportation, language barriers, disabilities, inflexible work schedules, and limited access to primary care providers. These factors shape how individuals seek and receive care, leaving vulnerable and minority populations at higher risk for poor outcomes.
Access to primary care is strongly linked to improved health outcomes; however, disparities in access persist. Medical Students Working to Improve Society and Health (MedSWISH) is a student-led initiative that provides free health screenings, education, and referrals to adults in Miami-Dade County. With Institutional Review Board approval, participants at each health fair provide verbal consent in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole. Using data collected from approximately 1,200 participants between January 2018 and October 2025, this study investigates whether having a primary care provider, compared to lacking one, influences patient glucose levels. By examining this relationship, our objective is to highlight the vital role of primary care in preventing chronic disease progression. In addition, by identifying racial and ethnic groups most affected by uncontrolled glucose levels and limited primary care access, our goal is to help guide targeted community efforts, such as MedSWISH, to improve health equity and outcomes across Miami-Dade County.
By examining data from our community, we aim to highlight actionable strategies that link our research findings to real-world outreach. In addition to providing on-site glucose screenings and tailored counseling, MedSWISH can extend its impact beyond the health fairs. For instance, distributing multilingual pamphlets that explain how to monitor blood sugar at home, recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and adopt healthy lifestyle practices can visually reinforce preventive education. Partnering with local community centers, and faith-based organizations can facilitate follow-up care, providing ongoing support for patients without regular access to a primary care physician. While strengthening primary care access remains the ultimate goal, these targeted strategies can enable MedSWISH to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to self-manage chronic conditions, reduce preventable complications, and promote equitable health outcomes within Miami-Dade.