A no/low cost model for promoting and providing holistic healthcare to medically underserved communities of low income families, homeless people and people in recovery

The use of holistic healthcare based on Chinese medicine and documentation of its clinical efficacy have both increased significantly in the US. However, general availability of such healthcare services, usually involving one-on-one acupuncture/herbal treatments, has been limited by the significant cost to the individual patient and/or health insurance companies.

We have developed a no/low cost model for providing and promoting holistic healthcare to medically underserved people by working with patients in a group setting and collaborating with local community organizations (CBO). Our target population is the extended East Palo Alto, CA, residents, particularly those in drug/alcohol recovery, homeless people and low income families. Our free bilingual services include group auricular acupuncture, smaller group full body acupuncture, therapeutic massages and health education classes.

Currently, we are serving 50-100 people per week using volunteers at donated space from several CBO's. We will describe how our acupuncture clinics and holistic health classes are set up and report on the demographics and treatment frequency of our patient population. Additionally, 3 case reports will be discussed with emphasis on the influence of support from peers, family and communities on clinical outcomes.

This model tests how holistic healthcare can be introduced into similar communities and be effective and efficient at meeting the needs of our diverse population, despite limited resources. We found that involving CBO's and encouraging client ownership of health issues are critical in improving client satisfaction and efficacy of treatments.