SET Family Medical Clinics-History

HISTORY OF SET OF COLORADO SPRINGS


SET of Colorado Springs provides holistic health services and basic medical care to the low income and uninsured. SET offers an option for those who would otherwise fall through the cracks and not receive services.

Founded in 1990, SET was originally intended to be a satellite office affiliated with Health SET-Denver, as it was attempting to extend its services for the senior citizen population in Colorado Springs. However, it was decided SET of Colorado Springs would become a 501 ©(3) non-profit with its own Board of Directors.

A senior wellness clinic was begun in 1991 for the residents of the Acacia Apartments. Since that clinic was begun, SET has added nine other sites (total 10) for low-income seniors and provides health assessments, blood pressure and weight checks. In 1993 SET increased its wellness services to seniors to include psychological/emotional wellness through the Gatherings and Mini-Gatherings. Finally in 1998, the Spiritual Companioning Program began to address the spiritual aspect of wellness for the seniors.

In 1993, attempting to meet the growing need of those unable to afford health insurance, SET established a medical clinic in collaboration with Meadows Park Community Center and two local doctors. Before long, SET was able to open clinic sites at Monterey Elementary School and Hillside Community Center. In 2003 SET consolidated and relocated all three clinics to the St. Francis Health Center Building. These clinics are designed to meet the needs of those who are uninsured /underinsured, through the assistance of volunteer health providers.

In 1995 SET began a wellness program for HIV/AID patients. In 1999, this program was spun off to the Southern Colorado Aids Project. Also in 1995, SET took over the operation of the homeless medical clinic at the soup kitchen. Currently, it is one of SET’s largest programs as the medical needs of the homeless population are great.

SET of Colorado Springs is celebrating its 16th year of service, empowerment and transformation in the Pikes Peak region, supported through grants and donations and sponsored by Centura Health/Catholic Health Initiatives.