Volunteer Acquisition And Retention At A Student-Run Free Clinic

An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Recruitment Strategies and Leadership Influence

Abstract

Background: The University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic (USASRFC) provides primary care to uninsured individuals in Mobile, Alabama, through student volunteer collaboration across various undergraduate and graduate disciplines. Following a two-year closure due to COVID-19, the USASRFC reopened in April 2022 and faced the challenge of effectively recruiting and retaining volunteers. This single-center retrospective study evaluates volunteer retention patterns as a prerequisite for sustaining interprofessional training in the post-pandemic era.

Methods: Volunteer records and executive board representation from April 2022 to December 2023 were reviewed. Variables included volunteer discipline, academic year, gender, attendance, retention rates, and the impact of discipline-specific liaisons and executive board membership on interprofessional involvement. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and multi-factor ANOVA.

Results: Since reopening, the USASRFC has conducted 61 clinic sessions supported by 366 total volunteers, with a volunteer retention rate of 52.5%. The majority of volunteers were medical students (61.0%), followed by undergraduate students (21.2%), and pharmacy students (8.1%). The most significant factor in retention was academic year (p < 2.39 × 10⁻¹⁶). Discipline-specific liaisons significantly increased initial volunteer participation within their discipline (T = 2.36, p = 0.031), but did not affect long-term retention (Chi² = 2.24, p = 0.13). Executive board representation had no significant effect on interprofessional volunteer recruitment or retention.

Conclusion: While interprofessional collaboration enhances the services that resource-limited clinics can offer, sustaining engagement remains challenging. Although direct recruitment through disciplinary liaisons can boost initial volunteer recruitment in some disciplines, their effect on retention is limited, underscoring the need for sustainable strategies. The observed low retention rate reflects resource inefficiencies, as high volunteer turnover demands recruitment and training efforts. Future USASRFC interventions should emphasize early-stage student engagement, interprofessional faculty partnerships, and clear recognition of volunteer contributions to maintain a motivated, diverse volunteer base capable of providing broader care than single-disciplinary clinics.