
Rachael Knight
Host: Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
Sponsor: Bingham McCutchen LLP
Rachel established a medical-legal partnership with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Carris Health to address health problems rooted in socioeconomic disparities of patients by representing clients in matters associated with insurance and income, housing and utilities, education and employment, legal status and immigration, personal stability, and family law matters.
Rural Minnesotans face many health disparities. In rural areas, more people report “fair” or “poor” health, being current smokers, and obese. More people are uninsured and mortality rates are higher due to pneumonia and influenza. There are higher diabetes, stroke and heart disease mortality rates, and higher suicide rates. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 6 of 10 counties served by MMLA’s Willmar office have childhood poverty rates higher than the state average. Health related issues with potential legal solutions include domestic violence and lack of family safety; lack of health insurance; housing quality and utility shutoff issues; inadequate income where supports may be available; education and employment challenges; and legal status concerns for immigrants. Many low-income residents are immigrants, do not speak English, and do not know their legal rights.
In the first year, Rachel has:
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In the next year, Rachel plans to:
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Host: Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
Sponsor: Bingham McCutchen LLP
Host: Community Legal Aid Services
Sponsor: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation
Host: Legal Council for Health Justice
Sponsor: Baker McKenzie, Walgreen Company
Host: Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
Sponsor: CIGNA Foundation, Jenner & Block LLP