About Us
Cairn Health, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) social service non-profit organization located in Wichita, Kansas. Our mission is to improve the well-being of individuals by providing accessible prescription assistance and vision care services to low-income, at-risk populations. We strive to ensure that everyone can maintain their health and visual acuity without financial barriers.
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Our History
Cairn Health, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) social service non-profit organization located in Wichita, Kansas with a mission to improve the health of individuals with a stronger support of primary care and prevention through a referral network. The organization is in good standing with the State of Kansas. This work increases the quality of life for all and reduces the strain on community-based resources such as emergency rooms, which uninsured and indigent patients often use instead of primary care clinics.
Cairn Health was established as “Medical Service Bureau” in 1937 by a group of physicians and nurses from the Medical Society of Sedgwick County whose goal was to build a social service agency where low-income persons could arrange for their medical needs according to their ability to pay. The process started on Friday, January 24, 1936, when an article appeared in the Wichita Beacon newspaper titled “Medical Help Will Be Given to Poor Folks,” “Community Chest Planning New System of Aid for the Need.” The article went on to report that the health division of the social service planning committee of the Community Chest (now known as United Way of the Plains) was mapping out a campaign of caring for families suffering from illness but who were unable to pay for the services of a physician or to buy medicine. It was suggested that a “Medical Service Bureau” be established. The organization was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) on July 26, 1978, and in 2019, changed its name to Cairn Health, Inc.
Meet Our Team
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Amber Beck
Executive Director
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Brittany
Marketing Advocate
Brittany has six years experience working in non-profit. Brittany loves to cook.
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Maria
Community Health Care Worker
Maria has 22 years experience working as a community health care worker. Maria loves to cook.
![](https://cairnhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Team-Member-Card-Photo-4.png)
Martha
Community Health Care Worker
Martha has four years experience working as a community health care worker. Martha loves spending time with her family and pets.
![](https://cairnhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Team-Member-Card-Photo-2.png)
Casandra
Community Health Care Worker
Casandra has ten years experience working as a community health care worker. Casandra loves shopping, eating, and watching movies.
Board of Directors
President
Kent Koehler, PMP, CPHIMS
Regional Technology Director
Ascension Technologies
Vice President
Malachi Winters, LMSW
Crisis Team Supervisor
ComCare of Sedgwick County
Secretary
Heather Poorman
Human Resource Manager
The Arnold Group
Shannon Loeck, MD
Physician/Psychiatrist
KU-Wichita
Dr. James L. Vayda, MD, FACEP
Attending Physician &
Assistant ED Medical Director
Ascension Via Christi, CEP America
Melisa Birkey
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner: Assistant
Lead APRN
CEP America/Ascension Via Christi
Phillip Brownlee (ex officio)
Executive Director
Medical Society of Sedgwick County
Thi-Thi Nguyen, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP
Medication Management Pharmacy Specialist
Ascension Via Christi
Steve Henry
Insurance Agent
Liberty Benefit Consultants
Jennifer Goss
Talent and Engagement Specialist
Star Lumber and Supply
Brooke Aziere
Partner—Attorney
Foulston Siefkin