HPC Celebrates 30 Years of Health and Hope
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!
In 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.
