Husson University Graduate Students Reopen Free Physical Therapy Clinic
Published on: September 30, 2021
BANGOR, MAINE – With COVID-19 vaccinations on the rise, Husson University’s College of Health and Pharmacy has decided to reopen its SOARing Eagles Healthcare clinic at 79 Marshall Road in Bangor, Maine on Friday, October 1, 2021. This clinic offers free physical therapy services to anyone, of any age, who is uninsured or underinsured, and needs treatment but cannot afford to pay for it themselves.
“Anyone who is suffering from sports or activity-related injuries; motion or strength limitations; chronic pain; functional disabilities; post-surgical pain or a loss of function is welcome to contact us,” said Dr. Kimberly Steinbarger, PT, MHS, DHSc, a director of clinical education at Husson’s School of Physical Therapy, a part of the University’s College of Health and Pharmacy. In the coming months, plans are in the works to offer an “Annual PT Checkup” to members of the Bangor community.
Husson graduate students will be providing the physical therapy treatments under the supervision and oversight of licensed therapists. The sessions are a great way for students to get hands-on experience in actual physical therapy treatment settings as they simultaneously help underinsured and non-insured Bangor-area residents suffering from pain and movement dysfunctions.
In reflecting on the success of the clinic since it began, Steinbarger estimates that participating students have provided the equivalent of 200+ units of physical therapy. “This is the equivalent of providing more than $30,000 worth of services to members of the community on a pro-bono basis.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily forced Husson University to suspend the clinic’s operations, students are looking forward to reengaging with members of the public who need assistance.
“I am so glad we’re finally able to reopen the clinic,” said Alexander True, a physical therapy graduate student at Husson University’s School of Physical Therapy. “My classmates and I have heard about the great experiences offered by the clinic. We’re eager to finally be able to make some of those experiences our own.”
“It’ll be great to be able to apply all that we have learned in the classroom to patients who are in need,” continued True. “This reopening has been a long time coming. We’re looking forward to furthering our education at the clinic and giving back to the community.”
Anyone interested in learning more about SOARing Eagles Healthcare or scheduling an appointment should email soaringeagleshealth@gmail.com or contact Dr. Kimberly Steinbarger, PT, MHS, DHSc, at 207.941.7181. Appointments are available on Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Husson University’s School of Physical Therapy provides the advanced knowledge students need to become skilled and knowledgeable practitioners who collaborate with a patient’s health care team to help manage and alleviate pain. Students can enroll in any of three programs: a six-year Bachelor of Science in exercise science/Doctor of Physical Therapy degree; a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy degree or a Doctor of Physical Therapy/ Master of Business Administration dual degree program.
The School of Physical Therapy is just one of several schools that are a part of Husson University’s College of Health and Pharmacy. Others include the School of Nursing, the School of Occupational Therapy and the School of Pharmacy.
The facilities at Husson University include designated physical and therapy lecture rooms and labs, a cadaver dissection lab, excellent library resources and wireless computer access.
For more than 120 years, Husson University has shown its adaptability and strength in delivering educational programs that prepare future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent a superior value in higher education. The hallmarks of a Husson education include advanced knowledge delivered through quality educational programs in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. According to an analysis of tuition and fees by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.