AIM Health Institute is the first and only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that provides integrative medicine services to low-income and terminally-ill patients, regardless of ability to pay. Integrative medicine offers the best of conventional and complimentary medicine to improve patient care, addressing not only biological, but also psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of health and wellness. We hope that integrative medicine will bridge more than the gap between modern and ancient healing methods; we hope that it will also close the gap in healthcare disparities. As of 2010, approximately 45% of DC residents live in a medically underserved area with limited access to primary care services. Access to integrative medicine echoes broader disparities in access to healthcare. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is higher among whites, women, people with higher education and higher income. Only 25.5% of blacks and 23.7% of Hispanics used CAM in 2007, compared with 43.1% of whites. Moreover, most integrative medicine services are not reimbursed by health insurance, which means that only those who can afford to pay can benefit from it. Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to have health insurance; 29% of Hispanics and 19% of blacks did not have health insurance in 2012 compared with 11% of whites. In our pursuit of eliminating health disparities and improving access to care, we are seeking to bring integrative medicine to everyone. Supported by grants and donations, AIM Health Institute works to achieve the following: provide integrative medical care for underserved, low-income populations and terminally-ill patients, regardless of ability to pay; conduct research and analysis related to integrative medicine; provide training and practice opportunities in integrative medicine to medical students and integrative medicine practitioners; educate the public and healthcare professionals on integrative medicine; empower the public by providing self-care tools; and, assist charitable and educational organizations in the conduct of similar activities. The AIM Health Institute operates utilizing the expertise of medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, Yoga and Reiki practitioners, acupuncturists, licensed massage therapists and nutritionists, health coaches, volunteer GWU medical students, as well as students from the Potomac School of Massage and Maryland University of Integrative Health. For more information, please visit our website at www.healthaim.org.
