Sherman College of Chiropractic's Investment in Community Health

June 6th, 2019

Improving community health outcomes is a team sport. And while every community is different, each has its own assets and resources that play a role in health. We are fortunate that Sherman College, one of the nation’s leading chiropractic schools, is located in Spartanburg. AccessHealth Spartanburg has built a partnership with Sherman that is having a positive impact on the lives of many AHS clients.

Sherman College professors and students treat AHS clients in the clinic located on the school’s campus. The treatment AHS clients receive there helps with a host of issues that cause pain and/or affect mobility. Chiropractic care has been an important part of improving the overall health of dozens of AHS clients.

Over the past four years, more than 300 AHS clients have been referred to Sherman College. All the treatment Sherman provides to AHS clients is donated, the value of which goes far beyond what the charge to the patient otherwise would be. For example, by playing such a direct role in helping someone improve their health so they can go back to work, Sherman College reduces the long-term cost of other services. In return, the partnership provides Sherman students with opportunities to further their training under the direction of a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic.

But the most important takeaway when it comes to improving health outcomes and increasing access to care for low-income uninsured people is in the value of building relationships and leveraging the unique resources available in the community. While not every community can boast a Sherman College, there are multiple health care-related organizations, institutions and other resources in every community. And bringing those groups together to build a shared vision for improving community health can be a long process. In Spartanburg, the result is a stronger, more holistic effort that goes far beyond ensuring low-income uninsured people receive primary care. Sherman College and the chiropractic care it provides has become an important part of that tapestry.