Tempe Elementary Students, Staff and Family Members Can Now Access Check-Ups at No Cost

April 20, 2023

Tempe, Ariz. – Sonoran University of Health Sciences is excited to announce its partnership with Tempe Elementary School District to provide free health care to the approximately 11,000 children and their families who attend the district’s 23 schools. Sonoran University’s Community Health Program has been providing free healthcare to Valley communities for over 25 years. This will be the university’s first community clinic serving the city of Tempe and the first year of operations were generously funded by two local foundations.

Through the program, physicians and residents oversee naturopathic medical students from Sonoran University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine to provide free medical services including wellness exams, physicals, and preventative screenings as well as treatments for acute and ongoing health conditions. The services address the health of the whole person with an individualized approach at no cost for students, staff, or family members who attend a Tempe Elementary School District school.

“This is our community,” said Paul Mittman, President & CEO of Sonoran University. “We’ve been in Tempe since 1996 and are honored to be able to give back in such an impactful way. The median individual income in Tempe was $31,926, household income was $61,290 and eight of the 23 schools qualify to provide free lunch to all students with 53% of remaining students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The need for affordable medical resources in our city is greater than ever.”

This program will provide the Tempe Elementary School District community with the following benefits:

• Access to medical care for the prevention and early identification of health conditions.
• An opportunity to educate children and parents in self-care.
• Fostering a healthy community, since good health is critical for scholastic success and effective learning.
• Consistency in education. Children in better health take less sick time away from school.

The community clinic hours are every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Sonoran University Medical Center (2164 E. Broadway Rd.) in Tempe. Appointments can be made by calling 480-970-0000. When scheduling please identify your relationship with Tempe Elementary School District.

For more information on Sonoran University and the community clinics, please visit www.sage.sonoran.edu

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About Sonoran University of Health Sciences

Formerly known as Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Sonoran University shapes a healthier future through to the healing power of nature. The University has three pillars: education, community engagement, and research. Dedicated to the ideal that everyone deserves high-quality healthcare, we engage students in rigorous, innovative academic programs, discover and expand knowledge, and empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health.

Sonoran University’s Community Health Program is funded through donations from Sage Foundation for Health.

Sage Foundation is an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO). Tax credit donations can be made at www.sage.sonoran.edu