A Pro-Bono Therapy Clinic: Valuable and Viable?

John fell while trimming trees, requiring shoulder surgery. The physician ordered physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) as John could not work. He did not have insurance nor finances for therapy services. A friend suggested RockU CARES pro-bono PT and OT clinic, where John met Sunni, an experienced OT and Rockhurst University faculty mentor. After John’s evaluation, Sunni recommended a return visit. However, John did not return causing Sunni to feel beyond frustrated as she reflected on John and countless others who became injured and lost the ability to work or care for themselves but did not follow-up with rehabilitative services. John was the tipping point for Sunni to question the value of the pro- bono clinic. RockU CARES clinic attempted to provide social justice by serving patients from vulnerable situations. However, given the high no-show rate, what should Sunni and her team do to serve these patients’ needs?