Center for Health Care Initiatives

We believe Briar Cliff University is being called upon to infuse a generation of health care providers with a Franciscan-inspired dedication to caring for underserved populations. These populations need increased access to quality medical care and treatment for diabetes, heart disease, respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s, influenza, osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer and pneumonia.

As Siouxland grapples with the scope of legislated health care and witnesses the aging of the largest living generation—the Boomers—institutions must find ways to contribute innovative solutions to the health care crisis.

Briar Cliff’s location, Franciscan heritage and historic strength in the health disciplines position Briar Cliff University to contribute to critical innovations in the dynamic field of health care.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

Through the Center for Health Care Initiatives, BCU will work to make lasting, systemic changes, perhaps even eliminating our region’s lack of/reduced access to health care in rural areas among Native American populations, the elderly and the poor. The Center for Health Care Initiatives will:

• Train generations of health care professionals dedicated to the needs of the poor and underserved. 
• Create degree programs with innovative clinical experiences. 
• Deliver health care to underserved populations. 
• Conduct research relevant to the needs and issues of the region. 

No single institution can solve the health care dilemma on its own. Therefore, the Center for Health Care Initiative’s overarching strategy is one of community-based collaboration and service, involving local hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical and medical supply companies, and eager students studying the health sciences.