Learn how University of Western States supports those experiencing homelessness through chiropractic care and community partnerships, making a tangible difference for those in need.
With a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, University of Western States (UWS) is working to support communities that are affected by socioeconomic issues such as poverty and homelessness.
UWS faculty encourage students to apply their skills to real-world settings through a combination of hands-on learning opportunities, service-based projects, and dedicated outreach programs. “This holistic education model instills in them the importance of community service, which is intrinsic to the health care profession,” says Stanley Ewald, DC, associate dean of the College of Chiropractic.
Service work also helps cultivate empathy, provide concrete tools for ethical community engagement, and empower students to make a difference.
Learn how UWS is caring for underserved communities through its chiropractic care initiatives and partnerships.
How Community Partnerships Are Making a Difference
UWS believes that community collaborations are important because they enable institutions to be more effective and responsive in their efforts to address social issues and improve overall community well-being. One of the key ways UWS has been involved in combating poverty and homelessness is by partnering with community clinics to provide chiropractic care.
Dr. Ewald emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and how they contribute to the overall UWS mission of helping those in need. “It opens the door for people to receive health care they might not otherwise have access to,” he explains. Community partnerships also help students develop a mindset of service. “By instilling a sense of responsibility and service in my students, I hope to create a ripple effect, with each individual doing their part to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
Today, UWS provides chiropractic care to the uninsured and underserved at four clinics in the Portland area.
1: Volunteers of America – Oregon (VOA)
VOA Oregon keeps its community healthy and safe through holistic patient services. In 2023, it serviced 21,821 individuals with the help of 68 volunteers and 166 interns. UWS is proud to provide chiropractic care to these individuals at both VOA’s men’s and women’s clinics and supports VOA’s goal of creating a thriving community.
2: Cascadia Behavioral Health
Cascadia Behavioral Health is a mental health facility that provides addiction recovery support, primary care, and more.
UWS provides a drug-free pain management model that complements the behavioral health services offered by Cascadia with chiropractic care. This holistic approach has been highly effective in helping patients manage their pain without relying on drugs or medication.
3: Coalition of Community Health Clinics
UWS is also a proud member of the Coalition of Community Health Clinics (CCHC). This non-profit organization is a community of 16 health clinics that provide a range of health care services for low-income, uninsured, and underserved communities. Together, UWS and CCHC partner on community events and share referrals.
Encouraging Students To Adopt a Service Mindset
Service is a central component of the UWS education model. The UWS motto is “for the good of the patient,” highlighting the responsibility to provide quality patient care through excellence in education.
Taking this motto to heart, Dr. Ewald emphasizes the importance of cultivating a service mindset. “I want students to understand that there is a need out there in the community,” he says. “It’s not just that they have an opportunity to make an impact; it’s that they have a responsibility to make an impact.”
Dr. Ewald has seen firsthand how this approach makes a tangible difference, having provided health care to impoverished communities in northern Mexico and Syrian refugees in Lebanon. For students looking to get involved in international service work, he reminds them that “a service trip can’t be for you; it’s going to be about who you’re serving.”
Dr. Ewald also notes that you don’t need to go abroad to make an impact, sharing how his personal experiences shaped his commitment to caring for underserved communities. Growing up, his mother modeled the importance of serving others. She often took him to visit families from various backgrounds, bringing them food, talking with them, and providing support. This early introduction drove home a critical message: Service begins at home.
The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Homeless Populations
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, noninvasive approach to health care that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing neuromuscular disorders. For individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, access to this type of care can be life-changing.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that half a million people in the United States experience homelessness on any given night, with nearly 60% living in shelters and the rest unsheltered.
Housing insecurity and physical health can form a dangerous cycle. For many people experiencing homelessness, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal issues are common due to inadequate sleeping conditions, manual labor, or lack of access to proper medical care. According to a Groundswell survey, 47% of people experiencing homelessness experience physical pain daily, and 87% have pain from sleeping on rough surfaces. This type of pain can be debilitating, limiting an individual’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. The physical toll can lead to further difficulty securing reliable work, increasing the likelihood of continued housing insecurity.
That’s where chiropractic care comes in. Chiropractic adjustments can provide much-needed relief, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Additionally, students and faculty in the chiropractic program can offer preventive care and education on proper body mechanics, helping individuals avoid future injuries and maintain better physical health.
By providing essential care that might otherwise be inaccessible, UWS students and faculty are bridging a critical gap in health care services. Their holistic approach, which focuses on the whole person rather than just symptoms, fosters trust and encourages individuals to seek further medical attention as needed, ultimately supporting their overall well-being.
The Future of Community Outreach Programs at UWS
University of Western States continues to support those experiencing poverty and homelessness through its chiropractic care initiatives and partnerships. By providing access to care for underserved populations, UWS is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to receive this type of treatment.
The efforts of UWS serve as an example of how health care providers can use their skills and resources to make a positive impact on local and international communities. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of poverty and homelessness, service-oriented education programs are becoming increasingly important.
Through community partners, innovative education programs, and an emphasis on compassionate care, UWS showcases how future health care providers—and academic institutions themselves—can make an impact.