Swope Health

Swope Health Supports National Community Health Center Week

August 3, 2020/0 Comments/in Our Community, SH Events /by Nancy Shawver

National Community Health Center Week is Aug. 9-15, 2020, a time designated to celebrate the long record of success by Community Health Centers in delivering quality health care.

Swope Health is proud to support the effort.

At Swope Health, we will be participating in national, regional and local celebrations, including a thank you to our Associates.

Swope Health will be featured at Region 7 of the Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers virtual conference Monday, Aug. 10 (noon – 1:30 pm). The program is hosted from Nebraska and co-promoted by the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. Terri Cooley-Bennett, Swope Health Outreach Supervisor, will speak on Homelessness and COVID-19.
Swope Health associates and patients are invited to write comments on posters, which will be displayed and shared on social media. Posters from all Swope Health satellite clinics will be collected and displayed at Central.
Swope Health is also using this week to focus attention on the public health and safety benefits of wearing a face mask. Swope Health joins cities and organizations across the country in the #MaskUp campaign, which encourages using a mask in public, keeping physical distance and practicing frequent hand washing. Our associates and patients are sending in photos of their mask-wearing style for social media promotion.
Swope Health Associates will be treated to ice cream Tuesday, Aug. 11. An ice cream truck will be at Swope Health Central and members of the Swope Health executive team will deliver treats to satellite clinics.
United Healthcare, in a month-long celebration of Community Health Centers, will provide lunches Aug. 13 to Swope Health associates working the COVID-19 pop-up testing clinic at Quindaro Community Center.
You can find Swope Health events on the National Community Health Center Events Log.

Across the country, 1,400 Community Health Centers provide services for more than 29 million people in rural and urban settings. Community Health Centers were first formed in 1965 with federal support to increase access to primary healthcare. Community Health Centers advocate for patients and work to remove barriers to care, such as cost, lack of insurance, distance and language. Learn more.

As a result, Community Health Centers generate an estimated $24 billion in savings for the healthcare system, largely by providing access to primary care and reducing avoidable emergency department and hospital stays. Community Health Centers deliver a wide range of services, including preventive care to identify and care for illnesses like diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease, depression and more.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Community Health Centers. We’re here for you!

Tune into 107-3 Facebook LIVE We Are ONE KC Virtual Town Hall THIS Friday, 6/12 at 6pm.

June 11, 2020/0 Comments/in SH Events /by Swope Health

The Town Hall will be hosted by Darron Story and features Swope Health’s very own Jeron Ravin, J.D. and Dr. Naiomi Jamal.

They’ll be joined by KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II as well as on-air personalities Rick & Sasha, and a special panel of Community Leaders.

Topics include:

COVID-19: Where are we and what does the future look like?

Systemic Racism: a conversation about next steps to bring about positive change.

Listen. Ask questions. BE THERE!

Valentine’s Day opening for Swope Health West

February 19, 2020/0 Comments/in General Information, Our Team, SH Events /by Swope Health

It was a chilly morning on Valentine’s Day, but warm inside our newest clinic location at Swope Health West, at 4835 State Ave., in Kansas City, Kansas.

The outpouring of warmth came from dozens of Wyandotte Community representatives who joined Swope Health staff in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the new clinic location. There were balloons and flowers, candy and treats, as well as tours throughout the expanded clinic.

Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin welcomed the audience, which included representatives from the KCK-Wyandotte County Unified Government, El Centro, Wyandotte Health Foundation and other agencies and business partners. Ravin noted that the new clinic allows for an expansion of services for Wyandotte County patients.

The ribbon cutting, led by Jeron Ravin, with West Clinic associates and Dr. Kenneth Thomas, right.

Swope Health West

This new facility replaces the former Swope Health West location at 6013 Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas. The new Swope Health West has five exam rooms, plus a procedure room, all newly renovated and installed with new fixtures and equipment. The Community Care Network of Kansas provided more than $13,000 for some of the new medical equipment and supplies at Swope Health West.

The West Clinic has five exam rooms and a procedure room with all new equipment and supplies.

Swope Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth Thomas also spoke at the ribbon-cutting, both to welcome the community and express appreciation for all the hard work that supported the creation of the new clinic. He introduced the clinic associates, including Dr. George J. Bures Jr. and Nurse Practitioner Kylie Gaustad.

Bertha Thomas, Clinic Manager, left, introduced the West Clinic staff: Dr. Jennifer Frost; Dr. George Bures; Nurse Practitioner Kyle Gaustad; Medical Assistants Jalyssa Marshall, Nastasha Garry, and Yuliana Loveland-Paez; and Jeron Ravin.

Dotte

Dr. Thomas, who introduced himself as a “Dotte,” shorthand for native of Wyandotte County, spoke of his deep ties to the community. He emphasized the Swope Health commitment to quality healthcare for all.

“This beautiful new facility is another example of our commitment to and investment in high-quality care,” Dr. Thomas said. “We want our patients to have an experience that demonstrates our promise to quality care, starting at the moment you enter the new Swope Health West. We want you to find a safe, clean and welcoming environment, with associates who are skilled and compassionate in caring for every person.”

To schedule an appointment at Swope Health West, call 816-923-5800. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ribbon-cutting & Open House at Swope Health West!

January 22, 2020/0 Comments/in General Information, SH Events /by Swope Health

Mark your calendars to help us celebrate our newest clinic location – Swope Health West, at 4835 State Ave., in Kansas City, Kansas.

Join us starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14 for tours of the new facility.

We’ll have a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by light refreshments. You’ll be able to meet our CEO Jeron Ravin, our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth Thomas, as well as the entire clinic team.

This new facility replaces the former Swope Health West location at 6013 Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas.

The larger space allows for additional services, noted Debbie Meads, Swope Health program manager. The new Swope Health West has five exam rooms, plus a procedure room, all newly renovated and installed with new fixtures and equipment. The clinic is designed for improved workflow and efficiency for patients, she added.

“This beautiful new facility is another example of our commitment to and investment in high-quality care,” said Dr. Kenneth Thomas, Chief Medical Officer at Swope Health. “We want our patients to have an experience that demonstrates our promise to quality care, starting at the moment you enter the new Swope Health West. We want you to find a safe, clean and welcoming environment, with associates who are skilled and compassionate in caring for every person.”

Plan on joining us for the open house on Friday, Feb. 14. To schedule an appointment at Swope Health West, call 816-923-5800. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Swope Health is celebrated at 50th Anniversary Gala

November 19, 2019/0 Comments/in SH Events /by Swope Health

Half century of battling healthcare disparities in KC community highlighted at Swope Health 50th Anniversary Gala.

Community leaders, elected officials, public health and education CEOs gathered at the Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday, November 16, to celebrate Swope Health’s remarkable achievements over the last 50 years.

Swope Health Founder – E. Frank Ellis

Swope Health founder, E. Frank Ellis, was honored for his role in providing quality healthcare to Kansas City’s neediest citizens and his efforts to revitalize communities on the east side. He shared the inspiring story of a small group of passionate, dedicated individuals who opened a clinic in the basement of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in 1969. This effort birthed Swope Health, Swope Community Builders and the Applied Urban Research Institute – organizations that forged a greater movement to address the larger issues of poverty, urban decay, and a lack of education and career opportunities in neglected Kansas City communities.

Keynote Speaker – Dr. Peter Salgo

The evening’s keynote speaker was Dr. Peter Salgo, medical correspondent, professor, practicing physician, and one of the nation’s most respected healthcare futurists. In his remarks, he cautioned that every effort must be made to ensure that healthcare in the future – all the remarkable technologies and cures yet to come – are made accessible to everyone and not just the few who can afford them. This message resonated deeply with the more than 300 guests at the event, many of whom are dedicated to providing accessible, comprehensive healthcare to all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.

Other speakers at the event included Dr. Harry E. Wilkins III, Chairman of the Swope Health Board of Directors, and Jeron Ravin, J.D., President and CEO of Swope Health.

Cynthia Newsome, KSHB Anchor and Reporter, served as master of ceremonies and Rev. Ruthe Workcuff, Elder of Victory Temple Christian Life Center and a Swope Health employee for 30 years, delivered the invocation.

Dr. Harry E. Wilkins III (left) and Jeron Ravin, J.D., (right) presented E. Frank Ellis
with a plaque that features a photo of the Swope Health building on Blue Parkway.

Jeron Ravin, J.D., President and CEO of Swope Health

Dr. Peter Salgo cautioned the audience of more than 300 that the battle against
healthcare disparities in America will continue into the future.

Join us for the Swope Health 50th Anniversary Gala!

October 31, 2019/0 Comments/in SH Events /by Swope Health

Swope Health is celebrating its 50^th anniversary, marking the occasion with a gala dinner featuring a presentation by Dr. Peter Salgo, a practicing anesthesiologist, professor and healthcare futurist.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at the Intercontinental Hotel, 401 Ward Parkway on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. Tickets are available at https://swopehealth.org/gala/.

“Founded in 1969, we are among the earliest health centers formed through President Lyndon Johnson’s ‘War on Poverty,’” said Michelle Keller, Vice President, Community Engagement, Development and Outreach. “There are only a handful of health centers that can claim 50 years of continuous healthcare to the underserved. The gala gives us an opportunity to celebrate our rich history of service.”

Swope Health’s First Clinic

Swope Health’s first clinic was in the basement of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. In its first year, with a $100,000 budget, Swope Health served 2,000 patients. Today, Swope Health operates nine clinics and supports 45,000 patients in more than 245,000 encounters each year. Swope Health’s services include comprehensive primary and preventive care for children and adults, as well as dental, behavioral health, optical, pharmacy and related services.

Like all 1,700 federally qualified health centers in the United States, Swope Health provides healthcare regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. Patients include low-income working families, the medically underserved and uninsured, high-risk and vulnerable populations like the homeless and public housing residents.

Jeron Ravin

Meet the CEO, Jeron Ravin

The gala also will introduce Jeron Ravin, who was named Swope Health’s new president and CEO, following the retirement of former president and CEO Dave Barber in August. Ravin will discuss the opportunities for the next 50 years of service at Swope Health and introduce Dr. Salgo, who will comment on the future of healthcare and medicine.

“The essence of medicine has not changed, although we now have a much larger array of tools and medicines to make people’s lives better,” said Dr. Salgo. “The essence of medicine is human to human care, providing caring, mercy and warmth to people in need.

Dr. Salgo

Presentation by Dr. Peter Salgo

“Our challenge,” says Dr. Salgo, “is to help people benefit substantively with healthcare.”

In his remarks at the Swope Health 50^th anniversary, Dr. Salgo is expected to provide insights on medical trends, healthcare delivery and medicines and devices in development. He is a passionate advocate for providing patients with up-to-date and accurate medical information to understand and affect complex health issues.

Early-bird Shopping Alert: Come to Swope Health Holiday Mart

October 25, 2019/0 Comments/in SH Events /by Swope Health

The annual Swope Health Holiday Mart is happening a little earlier this year to help you prepare for the holiday season!

Join us from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Swope Health’s Building C Activity Room, 3801 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, MO.

The event is free and open to all.

The mart is filled with local vendors who offer a wide variety of gifts. You’ll find jewelry, clothing, household décor and supplies, baked goods, cosmetics, skin and beauty products, and handbags and more. You can even buy art products produced in the arts program of the Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program’s adult day program.

This year, the arts program will offer an array of framed abstract oil paintings on canvas, one-of-a-kind handmade coasters, baskets, pictures and posters, inspirational items and much more, said Sonya Bolden-Oakley, Supervisor in the day program.

And if you’d like to wrap your shopping around lunch, that’s available too. The $5 menu includes hot dogs and nachos, with or without chili, plus snacks and soft drinks.

Proceeds from the Holiday Mart go to support day program activities, including field trips and supplies for cooking, gardening and art programs. Last year’s event raised about $1,000 and helped provide a holiday luncheon and $5 gift cards for day program participants.

Would you like to join in the event?

Vendors pay $35 for their spot at the Mart. For more information, contact Sonya at 816-599-5263 or sbolden-oakley@swopehealth.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Mart!

The 2018 Holiday Mart hosted a record 28 local vendors.

Products available include festive holiday décor items and gifts.

Hand-painted furniture, including these chairs decorated in the arts day program, were popular at the 2018 Holiday Mart.

For the 2019 Holiday Mart, the arts day program is preparing folk art, baskets, pictures, posters, canvases and coasters – and that’s just a sample!

Hoppy Brews and Happy Feet – Time for Socks and Hops 2019!

October 24, 2019/0 Comments/in SH Events /by Swope Health

You’re invited to the Fifth Annual Socks and Hops 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at the Historic City Market.

The event is designed to promote local chefs and brewers while raising funds and collecting socks for the homeless population in Kansas City.

Michael Crane, President and Co-Founder of Crane Brewing, who has sponsored the event since its launch, has seen the event grow over its five-year history. He appreciates the opportunity to help address the needs of the homeless.

“I honestly had no idea that the homeless – one of their greatest needs was socks,” he said. “Socks and Hops raised awareness with a lot of people about the needs of the homeless in Kansas City.”

Crane also applauds the format of the event, especially the coordinated offering of culinary treats with craft beer.

“One of the great things about pairing food with beer is that the food is better when it’s with the beer, and the beer is better with the food,” he said.

Last year, about 270 people gathered for the event, which raised $29,000 and collected 15,000 pairs of socks, said Amy Kuhnlein, Community Affairs Manager for Swope Health. The socks are distributed to people in need from Swope Health Outreach Services and the Mobile Medical Unit, and proceeds from the event help purchase Heater Meals for the homeless.

For participants, the event features specially prepared small plates and drinks prepared by 16 of the city’s most popular chefs and brewers.

Here is the lineup of craft brewers and chefs paired for this year’s event:

Crane Brewing and Wilma’s Good Food
Torn Label Brewing Co. and Taqueria Vegana KC
Double Shift Brewing Co. and Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches
Big Rip Brewing Co. and Karbon
Apex Aleworks and Urban Café
Stockyards Brewing and Tribe KC
Louisburg Cider Mill/Lost Trail Soda and Bloom Baking Co.
Strange Days Brewing Co. and Local Palette KC

There are two options for attending.

The VIP Package – for $75, you’ll get early admission (6 to 7 p.m.) to the event , designated parking, Socks and Hops sampling glass, and an exclusive VIP gift bag featuring Socks and Hops swag, and goodies from our VIP bag sponsors, including Sugar Cookie Bliss, Bootleg Bourbon Balls, Notes to Self, Thez Nuts, and more!
General Admission – for $45, you’ll receive the Socks and Hops sampling glass and admission from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission parking is in the lot west of the City Market or just behind the Steamboat Arabia Museum.

There’s still time if you’d like to join us as a sponsor.

We welcome you to join our generous sponsors:

We hope to see you at this year’s event!

Calling all Trick-or-Treaters! Come to Treat Town on October 31st!

October 17, 2019/0 Comments/in Children's Services, SH Events /by Swope Health

It’s time for Treat Town!

This year marks the 24^th annual community public service sponsored by Swope Health and Hot 103 Jamz (radio station KPRS 103 FM). The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2019. The free event is a safe trick-or-treat experience for children 12 years and younger and their parents.

For one night only, Swope Health Central Building C will be transformed into a paradise for the Halloween crowd looking for candy and treats. Last year, more than 1,400 kids and parents visited the event, where they connected with community service agencies, danced to the DJs, played games, and admired the creativity of the Halloween trick-or-treaters. Oh, and everyone got plenty of candy!

Treat Town is a Safe Option

“Every year, parents tell us that, were it not for Treat Town, they would not go out with the kids on Halloween because of safety concerns,” said Dan Barnett, Communications Specialist at Swope Health, who organizes the annual event. Swope Health associates volunteer their time to decorate and organize the party, as well as hand out candy.

More than a dozen community support agencies are also on hand, sharing information, candy and small gifts in the Halloween spirit.

“This is a neighborhood tradition that’s just such a good time,” Dan said. “Our associates love seeing the excitement of all the little kiddos in costumes. It’s a feel-good experience for everyone.”

Swope Health Building C is transformed into a Halloween extravaganza for Treat Town.

More than 1,400 princesses and superheroes visited last year’s Treat Town.

Meet our CEO Jeron Ravin

October 9, 2019/0 Comments/in Our Team, SH Events /by Swope Health

On Aug. 26, 2019, Swope Health announced the appointment of our new President and Chief Executive Officer Jeron Ravin.

Here are some early questions we had for Jeron:

What attracted you to the position?

Without question, it was the chance to work at Swope Health. I have always found FQHCs at the intersection of mission-driven work and the fight for health equity. Swope Health embodies that.

What attracted you to Kansas City?

I’ve never lived in the Midwest. More importantly, it’s an exciting time to be in KC. The city’s population has grown year over year. New development is sprouting up throughout the city, and KC has a rich history of music, great food, technology, and civil rights – things I have an ardent interest in.

Why do you think you are the right person for this job at this time?

I believe in leadership that is centered in integrity and collaboration. My career has demonstrated that this approach builds effective teams. Swope Health is at an interesting precipice. As the best, we now get to decide what our next level of care looks like. To me, this is continuously pushing the envelope to give our patients the very best–and changing lives in the process. Not only am I passionate about this approach but I have a history of achieving it.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role and as a new resident of Kansas City?

Working with the team here at Swope Health. I’ve been in community health for some time and instantly realized that Swope Health is special. This was clear to me after meeting the Board of Directors and numerous Swope Health associates. As far as KC is concerned, I’m looking forward to sampling the BBQ, art, music, festivals, snow, college basketball and Arrowhead Stadium.

What is your management style or philosophy?

Lead honestly, collaboratively, and unselfishly, with purpose and vision. Surround yourself with smart people and work with them to make a difference.

What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?

Traveling. It’s a big world. I like to experience as much as possible. Live music and concerts are also something I really enjoy. I also read often and workout.

Swope Health is celebrating 50 years and many have said it is the perfect time for this change. What do you see for Swope Health in the next 50 years?

I see growth, and an opportunity to forge genuine connections with the communities we serve. I truly want Swope Health to become the healthcare provider of choice for all of the Midwest. Keep watching –I have a few things up my sleeve. J