Cleveland University providing chiropractic care to underserved

In January, free chiropractic care came to Saint Vincent Clinic, the only safety net health clinic in Leavenworth County, via Cleveland University-Kansas City.

An extended partnership between two nonprofit organizations, Caritas Clinics Inc. and the Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) Chiropractic Health Center, affords Caritas patients access to chiropractic care at the St. Vincent Clinic, 818 N. 7th St., Leavenworth, Kan.

Caritas Clinics operates two facilities, the Duchesne Clinic, 636 Tauromee Ave., in Kansas City, Kan., and the Saint Vincent Clinic. Caritas is providing a chiropractic treatment room at Saint Vincent Clinic for their patients. The University is providing complimentary, high-value chiropractic care guided by a licensed clinician. The new arrangement is similar to the Cleveland University-KC/Caritas partnership that began in June 2019 at the Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan.

Caritas patients are uninsured and live below 175% of the federal poverty level. The Cleveland University-KC/Caritas arrangement provides patients with a conservative, evidence-based primary care approach for the management of chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions.

“Through this partnership with Cleveland University-Kansas City, we are weaving a safety net together for our uninsured patients and their communities,” says Jana Zaudke, MD, Caritas Clinics Medical Director. “Many of our patients work one, often two jobs, and maintaining health is imperative to them. We are grateful to be able to offer them help and hope through our collaboration with Cleveland University-Kansas City.”

“The results of this collaboration include patients receiving the health care they need and deserve, which is part of our mission and community commitment as nonprofit organizations,” says Jeffrey Baier, DC, Cleveland University-KC Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor.

Underserved local patient populations receive the benefits of chiropractic care at the same time CUKC interns gain patient care experience and develop relationships with other health care professionals. So far, 27 CUKC chiropractic interns have participated in this partnership opportunity at the Duchesne Clinic.

“These patients have real lives and have real issues that affect their daily living,” according to CUKC chiropractic intern Christine Curcio, “and they need chiropractic care to keep them out of pain or keep them in work.”

Another CUKC chiropractic intern, Kali Wallace, reflected on her experience at the Duchesne Clinic.

“I got to see many people adjusted and evaluated when English was not their first language,” she said. “It was interesting to see how that could change the dynamic of a visit. I learned so much that day from every patient that walked in.”

Under the guidance of Angie Samuelson, DC, licensed clinician and CUKC faculty member, CUKC interns will provide chiropractic care one day per week at Saint Vincent Clinic in addition to offering care at the Duchesne Clinic twice a week.

Patient care services at both Caritas Clinics include primary care, laboratory, and radiology services, medication assistance, diabetes education, and referrals to other resources and clinics.

About Caritas Clinics Inc.

Caritas (Care’-a-tas) Clinics Inc. is the administrative umbrella under which the Saint Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth and the Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan., operate. Together, the clinics serve Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties. The organization is an affiliate of the Sisters of Charity Health System (SCL Health). For information visit caritasclinics.org.

About Cleveland University-Kansas City

Founded in 1922 by the Cleveland family, Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a recognized leader in chiropractic and health sciences education. CUKC is a private, nonprofit, regionally accredited institution of higher education with a mission focused on health promotion through education, scholarship and service. The CUKC Chiropractic Health Center is one of the area’s best choices for quality, affordable chiropractic care. For information visit cleveland.edu.