HEART
CHS has HEART
HEART stands for Health Equity, Action, Research and Teaching and is a student and faculty-run collaborative pro-bono health clinic based in the College of Health Sciences at UM-Flint.
Follow HEART on Social
Our mission is to improve health and health care access for the uninsured and underinsured in Flint and Genesee County. Founded in 2010, HEART is both impacting health outcomes for patients and providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for UM-Flint students from multiple programs. Students who serve in HEART embrace interprofessional collaborative practice and a commitment to addressing health inequities.
Free Health Services for the Flint Community
Students and faculty offer HEART services on campus on Wednesdays and at the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience. Free services include personalized physical therapy and occupational therapy visits, and exercise classes designed to help people with neurologic conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke) and with lymphedema improve their function.
As a part of HEART, students also volunteer in other community settings. Physical therapy students provide fall screenings at community centers and physicals for high school athletes. Physician assistant students also mentor youth in an after-school program.
HEART activities on campus
- MoveMore for Parkinson’s Disease
- Weekly class led by physical therapy students is designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease exercise safely in order to best manage their Parkinson’s disease.
- MoveMore for Lymphedema
- A weekly exercise class led by physical therapy students is designed to help people with lymphedema best manage the symptoms of swelling in the arms and/or legs.
HEART activities at the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience
- MoveMore for Walking
- This is an intensive walking class for people with chronic stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, and brain injury who want to improve their walking.
- MoveMore for Upper Extremities
- Created for adults with hemiparesis secondary to stroke or brain injury, this program focuses on maximizing movement. Facilitated by occupational and physical therapy students and faculty, the class includes exercises designed to help improve arm function.
- Physical Therapy
- PT visits are available on Fridays for anyone with problems moving. People develop issues with moving because of issues with their muscles or bones, brain or spinal cord, heart and lungs, or skin. Students will complete an initial evaluation and develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
- Occupational Therapy*
- OT students are available on Fridays to work with people diagnosed with a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and more. OT helps people who have been affected by an injury or medical condition regain independence in daily living skills. Daily living skills can include any activity you need or want to do, such as getting dressed and/or preparing meals.
*OT services are at capacity, we are not able to take new referrals at this time.
MoveMore Exercise Class for People with Parkinson’s Disease
If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s disease, this free class is for you. We’re here to support you on your journey to better health and well-being.
No experience needed. Come as you are and join our friendly community. Let’s exercise, smile, and thrive together.
When: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., May 6 to July 1, 2026
Where: UM-Flint, William S. White Building, 509 N. Harrison St., Room 1145
Who: Open to everyone with Parkinson’s disease
Why: Exercise helps with tremors, stiffness, and balance. Feel better together.
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Amy Yorke at amyorke@umich.edu or
989-213-4024.
Bowled Over
The Occupational Therapy Department at UM-Flint’s College of Health Sciences has introduced an inclusive program aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. Originally a one-on-one bowling session, this initiative has gained momentum and become a popular weekly event, bringing joy and therapeutic benefits to the entire community.
The progress I have made is unbelievable. I feel very supported. They say, ‘we’ve got you’ and I really feel that. My husband used to wheel me into the facility and now I walk in. I continue to make progress and my goal is to walk in one day without my cane. It has been a true blessing to me.
Kimberly Lucas
Flint Resident
HEART Schedule
For referrals, call 734-417-8963 or email FlintHEART@umich.edu.
For general questions/inquiries, call the College of Health Sciences Dean’s Office at 810-237-6645.
Do you have HEART?
HEART is currently seeking students and clinicians to volunteer their time and services. Volunteers will be integral in improving health and healthcare access for Flint and Genesee County residents.
- Clinicians can express their interest in volunteering by completing our Clinician Volunteer Form.
- Students can express their interest in volunteering by filling out our Student Volunteer Form.
Someone will contact you to discuss your interest further.
HEART Sponsors
