KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Prospect Corridor often is viewed as the center of violent crime in Kansas City. Now, a group of doctors is working to change that perception. The only medical clinic within three urban core zip codes has expanded.
The Hope Family Care Center near 31st and Prospect opened in 2009. But it originally operated only during the mornings and doctors rotated in and out on a volunteer basis. That made it difficult for some to schedule appointments.
Now, this clinic has expanded with two full-time doctors and more resources to treat patients that had no other primary care center near their homes.
Thanks to a partnership with Research Medical Center, more than $1.1 million has been invested in east side health care since 2011.
Hope Family Care is a faith-based practice. The newest doctor, Cymanthia Thomas-Connell, told FOX 4 News she and others at the clinic believe they are honoring God by providing compassionate care to those who desperately need it.
“This is what I was looking for when I started medicine,” explained Dr. Thomas-Connell. “Preventative care, underserved medicine and helping, especially the disparities in the African-American communities.”
Some of the patients said they appreciated having a medical clinic within walking distance to east side neighborhoods. And those who can’t walk said they find it convenient, because it’s on a major bus route along Prospect Avenue.
The expansion demonstrates the increased need for quality health care in the urban core.
Hope Family Care Center said most of its patients are uninsured. Fees for the uninsured are determined on a sliding scale based on each patient’s income.
