“I found the Health and Hope Clinic in 2021 while searching for volunteer opportunities that would bring me closer to the Pensacola community. Freshly inspired by a few public health classes I was taking at UWF, I knew I wanted to be a part of the movement working to provide accessible and equitable healthcare to those in need. Shortly after I joined the clinic as a volunteer, I realized that I had found exactly what I was looking for.

I work in, and now direct, the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). The process of securing free medications for patients at the clinic is multifaceted and requires a strong team of individuals willing to dedicate their attention to the crucial details of the task. The value of our effort in PAP and the clinic at large is measured through the assistance we are providing patients. They are the reason our work has meaning.

The clinic has equipped me with the humility and empathy required to walk into work and learn something new every day that could completely change the trajectory of my day, task, or goals. Whether it be a new patient with unique circumstances or someone new I met working at the clinic who gave me a fresh perspective, I am learning something new every day. This learning curve has provided me with the tools to be adaptable to any situation that could occur at the clinic and to navigate them with patience.

Natasha "VJ" Sompalli and Kristin Quina were recently accepted in to med school and PA school, so they have graciously handed the reigns as PAP LEAD to Kat! (Pictured on the right is Natasha and Kat)

One of my favorite memories at the clinic was the day I was introduced to the Patient Assistance Program. I met with one of our previous directors, Natasha Sompalli, and she explained to me what was accomplished in the department. I immediately fell in love with the work and had the urge to learn anything and everything I could about the work in PAP.

I enjoy seeing every person on the team bring their continuing passion to the clinic each day. I have met so many volunteers from different backgrounds who share their talents with the team freely to accomplish what we all are there for: to provide health and hope to the hurting. It is truly inspiring to see it all come together.

When I am not at the clinic or in school, I love to read and do practically anything outside– walking, hiking, running, rollerblading, or biking. I also love taking photos of my friends and family on my film camera. I am currently setting up my own space so that I can develop my own photos at home!

My goal is to have an impact on healthcare and policy change and to work for an organization like the WHO or UN to improve access to public health care and to implement more effective policies. One of my heroes that I greatly admire is the late Dr. Paul Farmer, an American anthropologist and physician,"

Health and Hope Clinic | 1718 E. Olive Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514