Post written by Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing and Outreach
Nearly 140 supporters recently braved the rain and snow to attend Health Partnership Clinic’s Opening Doors Luncheon Benefit at the Overland Park Convention Center.
More than $45,000 was raised to help underwrite the cost of lifesaving care for uninsured adults and children.
The event included a short program with a powerful patient testimonial by Carolyn Thomas, an inspiring video and presentation of awards to Frank H. Devocelle, President and CEO of Olathe Health, and the Shawnee Mission School District.
In addition, guests were entertained by the Shawnee Mission South High School Quartet.
Mr. Devocelle accepted the Founders Award, and Shelby Rebeck, RN, MSN, Health Services Director, Shawnee Mission School District, accepted the Leadership Impact Award. Ms. Rebeck also serves on the clinic’s board.
“We thank Mr. Devocelle for his pioneering leadership, vision and collaborative spirit in impacting our community’s health and wellness and for his ongoing support of Health Partnership Clinic,” says Amy Falk, CEO. “We truly appreciate all the support Olathe Health provides to our clinic and patients.”
In addition, the Shawnee Mission School District was recognized for their leadership and commitment to the health and welling of their most vulnerable students and for partnering with Health Partnership Clinic to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care to area students and their families.
Amy adds, “We’ve worked with Shawnee Mission School District since 2012 with the common goal of improving students’ access to health. Our partnership has evolved over the years from providing dental screenings, serving homeless students to board member appointments and opening the first school-based clinic to provide medical, dental and behavioral health services at Merriam Park Elementary School. Since opening our school-based clinic in January, we have seen more than 150 children in medical and behavioral health.”
According to Tierney Grasser, Board Chair, the clinic has been opening doors to those seeking affordable, quality and accessible health care for more than 25 years.
“Our mission over the years has remained unchanged and can be summed up in four words: Improving Health. Impacting Lives,” she notes.
“No matter who walks through our doors—a newly arrived immigrant, a person dealing with job and insurance coverage loss, a teen mom struggling to find a doctor/dentist for her young child, or someone suffering with a mental health disorder, we’re here.”
A special thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests! “It was really heartwarming to see so many individuals coming out to support our mission and patients,” Amy adds.”
