Fourth Street Clinic asks for $18M in one‑time funds to expand homeless health services
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Summary
Fourth Street Clinic and Representative Clancy asked for an $18M one‑time appropriation to build a new facility on the existing site, backed by a $35M private capital campaign; presenters argued expansion would reduce costly emergency care by treating high‑utilizer patients earlier.
Johnny Dot Emerson, CEO of Fourth Street Clinic, and Representative Clancy presented an RFA seeking $18 million in one‑time capital funds to build a new clinic on the existing site that would expand on‑site radiology, physical therapy and behavioral health services and support partnerships with the University of Utah School of Medicine.
Emerson said the capital campaign totals $35 million in private funds to match public support; the RFA requests $18 million in one‑time public funds and reported $5 million already pledged with additional requests outstanding. “This is a true public‑private partnership,” he said, and argued that expanding coordinated primary and behavioral health care for people experiencing homelessness would reduce downstream emergency and inpatient costs that are typically much higher than clinic‑based care.
Dr. John Doan, a volunteer physician at Fourth Street Clinic, described patient cases and said the clinic turns away 25–40 people a day because of space constraints. He urged support for the project as a means to keep people out of crisis‑level care and improve outcomes. The committee voiced strong support and asked clarifying questions about the phasing plan; presenters said the new facility will be built in phases to preserve ongoing clinical access. No final appropriation was made at the meeting.
