Opening Doors 2026: Honoring Impact, Expanding Access

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Opening Doors 2026: A Powerful Day of ImpactOn Wednesday, April 22, 2026, nearly 175 community members gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center for Health Partnership Clinic’s (HPC) annual Opening Doors Luncheon—a powerful afternoon dedicated to expanding access to care for uninsured children and adults across Johnson, Miami and Franklin counties.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors and attendees, more than $102,000 was raised to support high-quality, affordable and accessible health care for those who need it most.

A Milestone Moment for Women’s Health

Opening Doors 2026: A Powerful Day of ImpactThis year marked the launch of our first-ever Fund-a-Need, focused on strengthening women’s health services—and the response was extraordinary.

Together, supporters exceeded the goal, making it possible for the clinic to purchase LEEP equipment, a critical tool used to treat precancerous cervical cells and help prevent cervical cancer.

This investment means:

  • Faster, on-site treatment for patients
  • Fewer costly referrals outside the clinic
  • Greater access to life-saving preventive care for uninsured women

The impact is immediate—and life-changing.

Honoring Leaders Who Open Doors

A highlight of the luncheon is recognizing those whose leadership and compassion expand access to care in our community. This year, we were proud to honor two extraordinary awardees:

Founders Award: Wy Jo Care

Opening Doors 2026: A Powerful Day of ImpactThe Founders Award was presented to Wy Jo Care, a program of the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation, for its transformative impact on specialty care access for uninsured patients.

Each year, Wy Jo Care coordinates more than $8 million in donated specialty services, connecting thousands of individuals to critical care—from orthopedic surgery to gastroenterology and beyond.

For HPC patients, this partnership is essential. Since 2015, thousands of referrals have ensured patients receive care that would otherwise be out of reach—restoring health, mobility and quality of life.

Wy Jo Care’s work exemplifies what is possible when compassion, collaboration and clinical expertise come together to serve those most in need.

MetroCare WYJO Care

Leadership Impact Award: Burnis Lance

Opening Doors 2026: A Powerful Day of ImpactThe Leadership Impact Award was presented to Burnis Lance, whose decades of service and unwavering commitment embody the heart of our mission.

A patient of HPC since 1996 and a dedicated Board member since 2014, Burnis brings both lived experience and thoughtful leadership to her role. Her service as Treasurer/Secretary and active involvement on key committees have strengthened the clinic’s governance and long-term sustainability.

Beyond the clinic, Burnis has devoted herself to serving the Kansas City community through organizations such as Guadalupe Center, El Centro and Catholic Charities.

She leads with humility, purpose and deep compassion—making a lasting difference in the lives of countless families.

Opening Doors to Better Health—Every Day

Throughout the program, guests experienced powerful stories from patients and staff that brought the mission to life. A moving patient testimonial was shared by Tiffany Swanson, DO, OB/GYN and Chief Health Officer, highlighting the very real challenges patients face—and the life-changing care made possible through HPC.

These stories underscored a simple truth: access to healthcare is not a given for many families.

While the success of the Fund-a-Need will directly expand women’s health services, the impact of Opening Doors reaches far beyond a single initiative. Funds raised support:

  • Medical care for uninsured children and adults
  • Dental services and outreach
  • Behavioral health and substance use support
  • Preventive care that keeps families healthy and thriving

Every dollar helps remove barriers to care—and provides something equally important: peace of mind.

Thank You to Our Community

Opening Doors 2026: A Powerful Day of ImpactThis meaningful day was made possible by the incredible support of:

  • Our generous sponsors and donors
  • Dedicated staff, volunteers and Board members
  • Inspiring program speakers and patient storytellers
  • Emcee Joe Lauria, FOX 4 News, for guiding a thoughtful and engaging program

Because of you, doors to care—and hope—are open wider than ever.

You Can Make an Impact

The need continues, and there is still time to help.

👉 Give Today
👉 Watch the 2026 Opening Doors Video

Every gift helps us continue Opening Doors to Better Health—Every Day.

2026 Opening Doors Luncheon Will Inspire, Empower and Transform Lives

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

2026 Opening Doors Luncheon Will Inspire, Empower and Transform LivesHealth Partnership Clinic proudly invites you to one of our signature events—the Opening Doors Luncheon, taking place Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with lunch served promptly at noon.

This year’s luncheon shines a powerful spotlight on women’s health, highlighting critical services that are changing—and saving—lives in our community.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are over 65 percent of the way there, with nearly $75,000 secured. This momentum is making it possible to expand access to high-quality, affordable and compassionate care for thousands of uninsured and underserved patients.

Guests will experience an inspiring and impactful program featuring:

  • Powerful patient stories and mission moments
  • Dynamic speakers and meaningful connections
  • A delicious lunch and engaging atmosphere
  • Recognition of exceptional community leaders

We are also honored to welcome Joe Lauria of FOX 4 News as this year’s emcee.

Program Highlights

Transforming Women’s Health: Fund-a-Need Opportunity:

This year, we are introducing an exciting new element—a Fund-a-Need giving opportunity focused on expanding access to life-saving women’s health services.

Our goal is to raise $12,000 to bring LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) equipment in-house—a critical advancement in preventing cervical cancer.

A LEEP procedure removes precancerous cervical cells and has a cure rate of up to 99 percent, yet many uninsured women cannot access this care due to cost and referral barriers.

With this equipment available on-site, Health Partnership Clinic will be able to:

  • Provide timely, life-saving treatment in a familiar, trusted setting
  • Eliminate costly referrals and reduce delays in care
  • Ensure more women receive the treatment they need—when they need it

During the luncheon, guests will have the opportunity to give in real time and see their impact unfold—turning compassion into immediate action.

Celebrating Leadership & Impact:

  • 2026 Leadership Impact Award: Burnis Lance, HPC Board Member, honored for her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and lasting contributions that have advanced our mission and strengthened the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
  • 2026 Founders Award: Wy Jo Care, recognized for its extraordinary impact and steadfast dedication to improving lives, expanding access to care and creating meaningful, lasting change in our community.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

AdventHealth

Platinum Sponsors

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Staff
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
Overland Park Regional Medical Center Medical Staff

Gold Sponsors

Children’s Mercy Kansas City
The University of Kansas Health System
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas

Silver Sponsors

Bridge Builder Tax and Legal Services P.A.
Scott & Dana Gold | Forvis Mazars

Bronze Sponsors

Coronis Health
Heartland RADAC
Kansas City Medical Society Foundation
Lakemary Center
Olathe Fire Department
Saint Luke’s South Hospital

Champion Sponsors

Bukaty Companies
Creative Planning
Pete Enko | Husch Blackwell
Kansas Gas Service
Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH & Scott Koertner
Landmark Bank
Jim & Brenda McLaughlin
Ntiva
Harlan C. Parker | State Farm Insurance Agency

Join Us—Seats Are Filling Quickly

Don’t miss this inspiring afternoon where compassion meets action and community creates change.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available—a meaningful way to elevate your brand while directly supporting life-changing care in our community.

To reserve your seat or explore sponsorship options, contact:

Catherine Rice
crice@hpcks.org
913-730-3680

Together, we are opening doors to better health—for every woman, every family and our entire community.

Snowflake Streak 2026 Raises $63,933 — Surpasses Goal

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Snowflake Streak 2026 Raises $63,933 — Surpasses  GoalHealth Partnership Clinic’s second annual Snowflake Streak was a record-breaking success, raising $63,933 and surpassing its goal at 116 percent. That represents a 45 percent increase over 2025, demonstrating growing community support for accessible, affordable health care.

More than 200 walkers, volunteers and community supporters participated this year — a 19 percent increase in attendance. The morning featured breakfast and pre-walk activities, including a Photo Booth sponsored by Truity Credit Union, followed by a brief program emceed by Joe Lauria of FOX4 before participants bundled up for the one-mile walk. We were honored to have Olathe Mayor John Bacon lead the walkers at the start of the one-mile route.

Sponsorship Growth Fueled Success

A major driver of this year’s growth was expanded sponsorship support:

  • 21 sponsors participated (up from 13 last year)
  • 11 new sponsors joined
  • Sponsorship revenue increased by 148 percent

Merchandise sales and event-day giving also added new revenue streams that we look forward to growing.

Snowflake Streak 2026 Raises $63,933 — Surpasses  Goal Snowflake Streak 2026 Raises $63,933 — Surpasses  Goal

A True Community Effort

This event would not have been possible without the leadership of Nikki Balden and David Merschbrock, who were instrumental in planning and execution, as well as the dedication of our staff, board members, Snowflake Streak Committee and community volunteers.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors and every participant who helped make this event a success.

Snowflake Streak is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community partnership and a commitment to ensuring families in our region have access to quality, compassionate care.

We look forward to building on this momentum in 2027.

Snowflake Streak 2026 Raises $63,933 — Surpasses  Goal

 Thank You to the following individuals who made our 2026 Snowflake Streak such a success!

Snowflake Streak 2026 Raises $63,933 — Surpasses  GoalStaff, Volunteers and Snowflake Committee

  • Sandy Athamneh, HPC Administration
  • Nikki Balden, HPC Marketing and Outreach
  • Lori Boushahla, HPC Administration
  • Cara Coleman, Snowflake Committee Member
  • Perla Cardenas, HPC Patient Services
  • Garrett Carnes , Snowflake Committee Member
  • Mary Ellen Clark, HPC Development & Snowflake Committee Member
  • Pastor Neil Glaser, Snowflake Committee Member
  • Stephanie Heisler, Snowflake Committee Member
  • David Kim, HPC Volunteer
  • Burnis Lance, HPC Board
  • Thao Le, HPC Behavioral Health, Snowflake Committee Member
  • David Merschbrock, HPC Administration
  • Mary Ortiz, HPC Behavioral Health
  • Derek Richardson, Snowflake Committee Member
  • Catherine Rice, HPC Marketing and Outreach
  • Jody Rice, HPC Volunteer
  • Jacob Swisher, Snowflake Committee Member
  • James Terrones, Snowflake Committee Member
  • Jason Terry, Snowflake Committee Member
  • Scott Tow, Snowflake Committee Member

Community Volunteers

  • Pam Balden
  • Sarah Bono
  • Shawna Davidson
  • Joni Hiatt
  • Isaiah Lance-Root
  • Judy Leary
  • Tonja McCoy
  • Nathan Rice
  • Brooke Schesser
  • Reese Schesser

Ottawa University Volunteers

  • Judah Hudson Brown
  • Lily Cross
  • Nikita Davda
  • Brooke Flory
  • Delaney Josephs
  • Samantha Lillis
  • Robert Lo
  • Angela Shasha

Snowflake Streak Update: $47,500 Raised — and We’re Still Going Strong!

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

2026 Snowflake Streak UpdateBundle up and join the fun! Health Partnership Clinic’s second annual Snowflake Streak is just around the corner—Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park.

I’m excited to share that we’ve already raised $47,500 with 26 registered teams—and the momentum isn’t slowing down! There’s still plenty of time to sign up a team, join a team, or support a walker. Every step helps us provide quality, affordable health care to those who need it most.

To learn more, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/snowflakestreak2026/.

And don’t forget to show your Snowflake Streak spirit! Walkers and community members can now purchase our limited-edition hats and scarves, designed to keep you warm and looking festive on walk day and throughout the winter months! These cozy items make great gifts—and 100 percent of proceeds support Health Partnership Clinic patients.

To order, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/snowflakestreak2026/store/.

A huge thank you to our following sponsors:

Premier: AdventHealth

Additional: Blue Gurus, City of Olathe, Damage Control Restoration, Davidson Promotional, Farmers Bank, Husch Blackwell, Olathe Ford, Olathe Noon Lions Club, Olathe Noon Optimist Club, Scovell Remodeling, Simmons Bank, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Ed and Jane Walsworth.

Whether you’re walking, fundraising, cheering, or shopping for winter gear, your involvement makes a meaningful impact.

Learn more, register, donate, or grab your Snowflake Streak gear at hpcks.org/snowflake or contact Nikki Balden at nbalden@hpcks.org  or 913-433-7592.

Together, we can make this year’s Streak the brightest and warmest yet!

Snowflake Streak 2026 Flyer

Clinic celebrates Community Care Clinic Month with Children’s Health Day and month-long activities.

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Clinic celebrates Community Care Clinic Month with Children’s Health Day and month-long activities.Community Health Centers, like Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), provide innovative health service delivery to more than 30 million patients! At HPC, we serve more than 10,000 patients each year. August is Community Care Clinic Month, a time set aside to salute public servants (fire, police and civic leaders), patients, employees, volunteers, consumer board members and others. This year’s theme is Powering Communities through Caring Connections.

Our month-long activities are also a wonderful opportunity to spread the word about our clinic and the work we are accomplishing in the communities we serve. Our success hinges on our many relationships with partners, supporters, donors and community. Together, we are improving health and impacting lives.

For a list of all our August events, please view this PDF.

We will kick off the month on Friday, Aug. 2, where we will bring attention to children living in public housing. Dental kits, toothbrushes and floss are being donated to Mission Southside, a partner of ours.

Children’s Health Day: Saturday, Aug. 10

Children's Health DayOne of our featured events is our Children’s Health Day, which will be Saturday, Aug. 10—just in time for school and sports physical season. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olathe location, 407 S. Clairborne Rd. Parents must schedule an appointment by calling 913-648-2266.

The following services will be provided:

  • Well Child Checkups
  • School/Sports Physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Dental Screening
  • Fluoride

Sporting KC’s Blue will make a special appearance from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The clinic will provide treats and other giveaways. The clinic accepts insurance, including KanCare and Medicaid. Financial assistance is available to uninsured children who qualify.

The event is co-sponsored by Healthy Blue Kansas, Sunflower Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. In addition, the health insurance companies are also underwriting some of the month’s events. We are so grateful to our partners!

More Events

HPC Open House, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024On Monday, Aug. 12, complimentary personal care bags will be distributed to SafeHome clients and free water will be distributed by the Mobile Health Clinic, a collaborative partnership between HPC, the Olathe Fire Department and Olathe Health/The University of Kansas Health System. In addition, we will host a Community Opening House on Friday, Aug. 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at our Olathe site. Come enjoy tours, networking and refreshments. Our patients and staff will also be recognized during the month.

To schedule an appointment for our Children’s Health Day on Saturday, Aug. 10, please call 913-648-2266 today! Limited appointments available!

Tips to Stay Safe this Fourth of July

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The fourth of July holiday is often filled with lots of family fun including activities such as pool parties, barbecues, outdoor games and fireworks.

Amid the holiday festivities parents may overlook important safety precautions. By keeping a few key Fourth of July safety tips in mind, parents can help keep children safe while still enjoying the holiday fun.

Leave the Fireworks to the Experts

Happy 4th of July!The National Safety Council (NSC) advises everyone to stay away from all consumer fireworks and to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by professionals.

A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25 percent in the U.S., according to CPSC estimates. Fireworks can result in burns, scars, disfigurement and even death. In 2021, there were an estimated 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 1,100 involving sparklers. At least nine people died from fireworks-related incidents in 2021.

Every year, sparklers can be found in the hands of children along parade routes and at festivals, but they are a lot more dangerous than people think. Many parents don’t realize that they burn at about 2,000 degrees-hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and many children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.

  • Families should attend community fireworks displays run by trained professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
  • Be sure to stay at least 500 feet away from the show.

Be Vigilant About Water Safety

Safety Tips for 4th of JulyAnother common fourth of July activity is swimming in pools and lakes. It is important to remember to never leave children unattended around bodies of water. According to the NSC approximately 19 children drown during the fourth of July holiday each year.

  • Children should always be monitored while in the water. Adults should take turns watching the children in 15-30-minute intervals.
  • Sign your children up for age-appropriate swimming lessons, but keep in mind even with swimming lessons children should still be monitored closely.
  • Never use floatation devices or water wings when swimming or teaching your child to swim.
  • Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
  • Establish and communicate clear rules for the pool such as:
    • Do not push or jump on others, no diving or running, etc.
  • Children should always wear life jackets while on a boat, personal watercraft and in open bodies of water.
  • Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, and always make sure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Sunblock, hydration and supervision are all essential water safety precautions that help keep the day fun and safe.

Barbecue Grill Safety

Safety Tips for 4th of JulyNothing beats a barbecue with friends and family.  Just remember these tips to keep everyone safe.

  • Create a barbecue only zone. Children and pets should not come within three feet of the barbecue grill once it is turned on. Remind your children that the barbecue is just like the stove, it gets extremely hot, and they can be burned. Keep pets contained away from the grill while it is in use.
  • Grill in a well-ventilated area, away from your house and deck. Every year grills and smokers cause thousands of fires, hundreds of injuries and deaths and millions of dollars in damage.
  • Be prepared for an emergency by keeping a fire extinguisher and a spray bottle of water nearby.
  • Use long handled barbecue utensils to keep the chef safe.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

Protect Your Skin and Avoid Dehydration

  • Limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen often.
  • If you are swimming, you should reapply sunscreen hourly or at least every two hours.
  • Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinking beverages that are caffeinated or contain alcohol.
  • Dress appropriately and wear a hat.
  • During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke-hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
    • Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
    • Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person
    • Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

Our clinic will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in observance of Independence Day.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 913-648-2266.

Health Partnership raises funds for uninsured and underinsured

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2022 Annual LuncheonHealth Partnership Clinic (HPC) provides more than $3 million in uncompensated care annually. With nearly 60 percent of uninsured patients coupled with unprecedented financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic and compounded by supply chain and staffing disruptions and inflation, the need is great. HPC will host a benefit luncheon, Opening Doors, on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

The fundraiser, held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Olathe Conference Center, 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, Kan., begins at 11:30 am. The event includes lunch, a brief program, video and awards. Christel Bell from FOX 4 News will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Tickets are $100 each. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by calling 913-433-7592.

The Opening Doors Luncheon is an opportunity to put a human face on the challenges vulnerable neighbors face each day—particularly accessing affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care. Guests will also learn about the clinic and the financial support that is needed to continue our mission. Our goal is to raise $65,000. We are very thankful for the generosity of our returning and new sponsors.

2022 Annual LuncheonTo date, top sponsors include the Medical staffs of AdventHealth and Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Olathe Health, AdventHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bridge Builder Tax and Legal Services PA, Fry Orthodontic Specialists, Heartland Regional Alcohol & Drug Assessment Center, Coleman Associates, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Creative Planning, Kansas Gas and Olathe Fire Department. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by calling 913-433-7592.

At HPC, we offer a full range of primary care services, including  pediatric medical and dental care as well as adult primary care and access to behavioral health care. Our team provides individualized, compassionate and family-centered care. In order to provide quality, affordable and accessible care to everyone in the community, we rely on the generosity of our residents, community leaders and area businesses. By working together, we can improve health and impact lives.

To learn more, visit us at https://hpcks.org/opening-doors-luncheon-2023/.

2022 Annual Luncheon

HPC Celebrates 30 Years of Health and Hope

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Amy Falk

Amy Falk, CEO

Thirty years ago, Johnson County adults—who were uninsured and needed acute and chronic disease care—typically accessed care through emergency rooms. This type of episodic care created a financial drain on both patients and hospitals and more importantly, did not provide continuous and comprehensive care. Hospital and community leaders banded together and opened Health Partnership of Johnson County in 1992 to fill that gap. This “free” primary care clinic provided limited adult acute and chronic disease care with volunteer providers and staff.

Over the last 30 years, the clinic, which is now known as Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), has continued to grow to meet the changing needs of Johnson County and the surrounding area. The clinic has provided an estimated 390,000 patient visits since opening its doors.

Click here for a snapshot of Health Partnership’s Milestones over the last 30 years!

  • Health Partnership Clinic - Celebrating 30 YearsIn 2012, the clinic received Federally Qualified Health Center designation opening the door to offer pediatric and adult medicine and dental services on a sliding fee discount in Olathe, Kan.
  • In addition, the Paola clinic opened—serving Miami County, and the clinic’s dental outreach program began.
  • In 2013, the clinic launched its behavioral health services, in 2015, this model of care was expanded to Franklin County and in 2016, the Shawnee Mission Clinic on the campus of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, opened.
  • Since then, the clinic launched a school-based clinic at Merriam Park Elementary School in Merriam, Kan. and in 2021 relocated services to Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kan. It also provides Substance Abuse and Medication-Assisted Treatment Services.
  • During the intervening years, the clinic has added staff and services to continue to meet the needs of the communities it serves. HPC is ranked among the top 20 percent of health centers nationally for best overall clinical performance (2021).

HPC is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Johnson, Miami and Franklin Counties

As the only federally qualified health center in Johnson, Miami and Franklin Counties, we are proud to provide quality, affordable and accessible health care to the uninsured, those underinsured and individuals with insurance. Many residents have received care at one of our clinic sites over the years, and they have seen many changes in staff, structure and services. We thank all those for trusting HPC to provide care for the last 30 years, and we look forward to serving and expanding services well into the future.

This milestone is one that has not been easily reached over the years. The dedicated efforts of staff, volunteers, providers and by the Board of Directors laying plans to keep HPC a viable, growing entity in the future will ensure our success. We hope our patients, staff and community take the opportunity to remember the past struggles and successes, celebrate where we are now, but look forward to the future with bright optimism on what we are about to achieve.

The 30th Celebration Committee

The clinic has formed a 30th Celebration Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing and Outreach. Committee members include Carolina Barraza, MA-Shawnee Mission; Maureen Caro, APRN, FNP-C, Medical Provider; Christina Cook, Dental Hygienist; JoJo Delgado, PSR-Ottawa; Judy Janes, Volunteer; Andrea Madrigal, MA-Olathe; Darren Odum, Board Member, Billie Reese-Turner, Billing/Patient Services, Director; Debbie Sparks, Development/Marketing, Manager; and Tom Wilhauk, Executive Assistant.

The clinic will celebrate throughout the year. Plans include its annual Opening Doors fundraising luncheon event in April, staff activities including t-shirts, a time capsule, coloring and video essay contests for school partners and a community open house in August.

To learn more, visit us at hpcks.org/HPC30.

Happy Thanksgiving from Health Partnership Clinic!

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Happy Thanksgiving 2019Happy Thanksgiving! We wish to express our appreciation to you for placing your confidence and trust in us. Serving you is our pleasure.

To observe the Thanksgiving holiday, we will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29. We will reopen on Monday, Dec. 2.

For a full listing of our holiday hours, click below.

https://hpcks.org/contact/

May you enjoy good company, good food and peace in your heart this Thanksgiving season!

HPC Celebrates Medical Assistants Recognition Week October 21st-25th

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Medical Assistants Week - 3rd Week of October

Post written by Wael S. Mourad, MD, MHCM, FAAFP, Family Physician and Chief Health Officer

A medical assistant (MA) is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians and other providers such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in a variety of clinical settings. MAs can become certified through an accredited program and perform routine tasks and procedures that support the providers’ responsibilities and tasks. They typically work in an ambulatory clinic setting, but can also work in urgent care facilities as well as hospital settings, assisted living facilities and even in administrative and research settings.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook online, employment of MAs is expected to grow by 23 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2028.

Medical Assistants at Health Partnership Clinic

At HPC, we have about 13 MAs with a diverse array of backgrounds. Some of our MAs came to us from completely different industries, such as the hospitality sector. Some were practicing physicians in their home countries. And some first stepped foot in Health Partnership as students and were hired when their training was complete.

A strong medical assistant can make or break a clinic. They are a provider’s extra “eyes and ears” for great patient care.

MAs help check patients in and obtain their vital signs and can often get additional history about a patient’s illness and well-being that the patient may not have disclosed to the provider. They help support a provider with all the paperwork requirements for great and timely patient care as well as communicating with patients, colleagues and outside entities, freeing up the provider to focus on seeing patients.

The medical assistant advocates for his or her provider as well, and the provider and medical assistant form the core of the patient care team. That is why at HPC, they typically sit in the same room or pod during clinics, to facilitate optimal communication. They are part of the backbone of a successful clinic.

We are very grateful for our MAs at HPC:

Diangie Bonilla Acosta; Carolina Barraza; Dalia Barron; Kaliece Brown; Traci Gentry; Jessica Grate; Silivia Heredia; Mayra Lemus; Adriana Lund; Andrea Madrigal; Teresa Najera; Tracie Ostermeier and Taylor Sanders.

Without them, the clinic would grind to a halt. If you see or know a MA, please thank them for all the work that they do!