The community clinics: will they survive?

The purpose of this paper is to raise the question of the social work profession's stake in the survival of the community clinics. Some history of the "alternative" health care movement is presented, with particular attention to the characteristics of these services. Specific examples are drawn from the nineteen clinics in San Diego, demonstrating their organizational evolution over time. The current human services climate is reviewed, as it is impacting the community clinics' survival. Conclusions are drawn about adaptations which will be required, and about potential new roles for social work.