Johnson & Johnson has renewed its funding commitment of $350,000 in support of the George Washington University Teledermatology Clinic and Health Fair Program forunderserved communities.
This program, which is a collaboration between George Washington University, the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church and the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), offers access to dermatologic care for residents in Washington, D.C., Wards 7 and 8. Johnson & Johnson
It was established in 2022. Over the past year, the teledermatology clinic has
- Hosted nine monthly clinics, serving more than 130 patients with free dermatological consultations and telemedicine visits.
- Screened more than 80 individuals or cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, with tailored follow-up care plans provided.
- Successfully treated patients via telemedicine. Specifically, 78% of participants reported their telemedicine concerns were fully addressed, and 98.64% said they would use telemedicine again for a future visit.
- Established seven education stations to raise awareness about skin health and disease prevention among Ward 7 and 8 residents.
With continued support from Johnson & Johnson, the program will target new goals, including:
- Expanding the monthly clinic capacity with additional in-person and virtual visits.
- Launching community education initiatives, including quarterly webinars and in-person seminars.
- Introducing a transportation support program to ensure no patient is left behind due to logistical challenges.
- Developing and distributing educational materials for both patients and healthcare providers to address disparities in dermatological care for skin of color.
“Johnson & Johnson’s continued support is pivotal to closing the gap in dermatology care for underserved populations in our backyard,” says Adam Friedman, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at GW University, in a news release. “This partnership ensures that we not only sustain, but also amplify the program’s impact by delivering compassionate, comprehensive care, and empowering communities.”
