Even though National Health Center Week has come and gone, it’s important that we turn our spotlight to a Kansas City institution with a profound impact: Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. Its story is not just about a clinic; it’s a chronicle of unwavering dedication to dismantling health care segregation and ensuring equitable access for all.

A Pioneering Vision: The Birth of a Community Health Center

After completing his residency and graduating medical school, Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers, who became the first African-American board-certified OB/GYN in the Kansas City area, accepted an internship at Kansas City’s General Hospital No. 2, the city’s segregated hospital for Black patients. However, like many of his colleagues, he soon left to serve with the Army Medical Corps during World War II. While overseas, Rodgers witnessed firsthand how hospitals could function in a desegregated manner, treating both patients and health care professionals equitably. This experience fueled his determination to fight against the segregated system back home in Kansas City.

Dr. Rodgers was never one who accepted the status quo; he fought hard for change. Disillusioned by the unequal treatment at General Hospital No. 2, he took action. 

“He was a short man in stature, but he was a skyscraper in toughness, and his toughness led to implementation,” reflected Jim Nunnelly, the original administrative developer behind Dr. Rodgers. 

In 1947, Dr. Rodgers and his Black colleagues staged a strike at General Hospital No. 2. This bold move challenged the system’s discriminatory practices. The strike’s success, along with Dr. Rodgers’ ongoing efforts, paved the way for desegregation. By 1959, Kansas City’s segregated hospitals were a relic of the past.

In 1968, he embarked on a groundbreaking venture. He established the Wayne Miner Health Center (renamed Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center in 1988), which became the first federally recognized community health center in Missouri and one of only four in the United States. This wasn’t simply the launch of a clinic; it was a bold statement, signifying Dr. Rodgers’ belief that access to quality health care is a fundamental human right, regardless of one’s ability to pay. 

Dr. Rodgers’ vision stemmed from a personal understanding of the inequities plaguing health care. Early in his career, he encountered the harsh realities of a segregated health care system firsthand. Witnessing the limited resources and substandard care offered to Black patients fueled his determination to create a more just system. Sam Rodgers wasn’t just about providing medical services; it was about providing an inclusive environment where everyone can receive quality, compassionate, and affordable care.  

“Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers’ legacy stands as a shining example of visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to enhancing community health,” said Sam Rodgers CEO Bob Theis. “As a pioneering advocate for accessible and equitable healthcare, particularly for underserved populations, Dr. Rodgers set a high standard with his innovative solutions and compassionate approach. His influence continues to inspire us today.”

Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers dedicated his life and career to providing health care to those who needed it most, explaining, “To be poor is really tough, to be sick is really tough, but to be both, there’s nothing worse.”

The Growth of Community Health Centers: A Force for Equity

The establishment of Sam Rodgers marked a turning point in Kansas City’s history, challenging discriminatory practices and providing a model for integrated, community-based health care. By advocating for equitable access to medical services and addressing the social drivers of health, Sam Rodgers has played a pivotal role in improving health outcomes in a community that many deemed deplorable due to its high crime rate. 

But Dr. Rodgers and others doubled down and created a health center that served as a lifeline for the community it served. Offering a sanctuary from discrimination, it provided comprehensive health care, from primary care to dental services, mental health, chronic disease management, and so much more. This innovative, whole-person approach to serving families and individuals of all ages resonated far beyond Kansas City. Sam Rodgers’ success became a national model, demonstrating the transformative power of accessible, high-quality health care and paving the way for a network of community health centers across the nation.

Rita Rodgers-Stanley, M.D., the youngest child of Dr. Rodgers, said, ”Little did we know that we were living with a legacy, that we were living with a man who would leave an imprint on this world and on the future.”

Inspired by Sam Rodgers’ success, the federal government established a national program to support the development of community health centers in 1975. This initiative recognized the critical role these institutions played in ensuring access to health care for underserved populations. Over the years, the network has grown exponentially. Today, there are more than 1,400 community health centers nationwide, serving millions of Americans and providing a vital safety net within the health care system.

Strengthening FQHCs

Senator Edward M. Kennedy played a pivotal role in advocating for the creation and expansion of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Recognizing the disparities in health care access faced by low-income and marginalized populations, Kennedy championed legislation that established the Health Center Program. This program mandated FQHCs as essential safety-net providers serving medically underserved areas and populations.

FQHCs, such as Sam Rodgers, embody Kennedy’s vision of community-rooted health centers that provide culturally competent care, respecting and responding to the diverse backgrounds and needs of their patients.

President Barack Obama’s administration continued Kennedy’s legacy with the passage of landmark legislation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), in 2010. The journey of Sam Rodgers aligns closely with the vision and policies championed by Obama. Central to Obama’s agenda was the belief that access to affordable, quality health care is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. The ACA aimed to expand health insurance coverage, improve health care quality, and reduce costs for millions of Americans.

It made a significant investment in community health centers such as Sam Rodgers, enhancing their funding and support. This transformative support enabled these centers to expand their capacity, improve services, and reach more underserved communities. Part of the health care overhaul legislation allocated funds to enhance health centers serving impoverished populations, with Sam Rodgers, for instance, receiving $8.2 million in 2010. This funding facilitated infrastructure improvements, increased staffing of medical professionals, and expanded services to meet the rising demands of patients.

A Closer Look at the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center Now

Today, Sam Rodgers continues to honor Dr. Rodgers’ legacy by providing comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Recognizing the holistic nature of well-being, it offers preventative care, chronic disease management, and mental health services. Their commitment to cultural competency ensures patients feel understood and respected, regardless of their background.

“In honoring his legacy, we are committed to exploring new methods of providing care to the most vulnerable,” Theis said. “Our team has introduced and implemented impactful initiatives, such as the Nurse Practitioner Residency Program, leveraging WIC services to support child immunizations, and employing data-driven strategies to improve outcomes and bridge care gaps. At the core of our mission are quality, compassion, and affordability, driving every aspect of our work.”

Sam Rodgers recognizes that health care extends beyond the walls of the clinic. It actively partners with community organizations to address social drivers of health. These partnerships aim to tackle issues like food insecurity, safe housing, and access to transportation—all factors that significantly impact a person’s overall health.

It has been instrumental in shaping a healthier Kansas City. It has served as a crucial access point for underserved communities, providing preventive care that helps identify and address health concerns early on. This not only improves individual well-being but also reduces overall health care costs. Additionally, the center serves as a training ground for future health care professionals through Missouri’s first Federally Qualified Health Center Nurse Practitioner Residency Program, fostering a diverse and culturally competent workforce within the medical field. Today, the health center sees a remarkably diverse range of patients. It serves as the local health intake facility for refugees, with interpreters that speak more than 40 languages. Sumitra Rai and her family have been visiting Sam Rodgers ever since they came to the U.S. from Bhutan. “They help us every time,” Rai said. “I was so happy when I came through the door,” Rai said. “I feel so proud to be here.”

Sam Rodgers’ state-of-the-art health center will house a new pediatrics wing, currently under construction. The 40-room, 30,000-square-foot pediatric wing will house WIC, behavioral health, and dental, including hygienists and three dental chairs, where children will receive dental screenings and referrals to Sam Rodgers’ dental clinic. The WIC program will provide food vouchers, nutritional education, and even lactation consulting for breastfeeding mothers, among other services. To enhance the accessibility of these services, the pediatric wing is slated to create 37 new jobs and provide services to 4,500 children per year. 

Embodying equity-centered care, the newly opened Samuel U. Rodgers Healthy Living Campus offers not just high-quality housing but also a community hub within the Propeller Building. The multipurpose space, including the Jim Nunnelly Community Room, fosters education and relationships – ensuring that residents of all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

 “You realize how important outstanding health care, outstanding access, is to communities,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “I am so elated with our partners at Samuel Rodgers. With healthcare, housing, transportation, all the things that we should be doing in Kansas City are being done right, this neighborhood and right here.”

Dr. Rodgers’ vision extended beyond establishing a health center; he envisioned a health care system where access was based on need, not socioeconomic status. His dedication to dismantling segregated health care and his commitment to serving the underserved continue to inspire generations. Sam Rodgers stands as a testament to his lifelong pursuit of equity and serves as a model for community health centers nationwide.

Join Sam Rodgers in building a healthier future. Your donations help provide much-needed health care support services to more than 23,000 individuals each year. Visit https://raisedonors.com/ to make a donation today.