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A print illustration of the Philadelphia Dispensary for the Medical Relief of the Poor, on Fifth Street between Sansom and Walnut.
Philadelphia Dispensary for the Medical Relief of the Poor.

Philadelphia Dispensary, the first known free walk-in health clinic, is founded.

1786

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Philadelphia Dispensary for the Medical Relief of the Poor.

Benjamin Rush, a physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence, offers in-home visits for people living in poverty who are too ill to leave their houses. He also creates an apothecary, which compounds medicines of all sorts that are offered to patients. Advice and therapies are also suggested by the dispensary’s physicians. This practice is distinct from hospital care, and can be seen as an early incarnation of the doctor's office. The model will expand in order to reduce the cost of care and reduce hospital overcrowding.