Home » Kentucky Racing Health Services Center receives national recognition

Kentucky Racing Health Services Center receives national recognition

Honored by American Academy of Nursing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 26, 2017) — The Kentucky Racing Health Services Center, a nonprofit clinic run by the University of Louisville School of Nursing, has been designated an innovative model by the American Academy of Nursing.

KRHSC-1-696x656Faculty members Whitney Nash, PhD, APRN, and Sara Robertson, DNP, APRN have been recognized as Edge Runners for establishing and growing the clinic, which serves low-income thoroughbred racing industry workers and their families. The designation recognizes original evidence-based and nurse-designed care models that have shown significant clinical and financial outcomes.

Located a block from Churchill Downs, the clinic is a partnership between the School of Nursing and the Kentucky Racing Health & Welfare Fund that provides comprehensive health care to backside workers, including assistant trainers, grooms and hot walkers.

Most workers the clinic serves migrate from Latin America to work U.S. horse racing circuits. These low-paying jobs typically do not include health benefits. Before the clinic opened in 2005, many of its patients forwent health care or used the emergency room for primary care.

Funded by uncashed parimutuel tickets at horse racing tracks throughout Kentucky, the clinic decreases health care barriers and has reduced medical costs by providing much of the workers’ health care in one place.

Workers can access the clinic for a $5 copay, which covers the patient visit and lab tests. Services include mental health treatment, physicals and women’s annual exams, care for acute illnesses, and maintenance treatment for chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and hypertension.