News Release
On November 14, Turning Point, the center for hope and healing, Kansas City’s highly respected patient support organization will combine with The University of Kansas Hospital.
Founded in 2001, Turning Point provides support for chronically ill patients and their families battling cancer, chronic heart failure, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), fibromyalgia, kidney disease, diabetes and other diseases.
The organization also works with caregivers to give them knowledge, coping techniques and support beyond care traditionally provided in a hospital setting.
Moira Mulhern, PhD, the organization’s co-founder and chief executive officer, said Turning Point will continue to collaborate with hospitals in Kansas City and across the region, providing support services for patients and their families.
“The hospital will provide Turning Point the support we need to help more patients and families throughout the region,” said Dr. Mulhern. “The University of Kansas Hospital is providing support to Turning Point, which will include infrastructure functions not previously part of the organization. This combination is taking Turning Point to a new level.”
Dr. Mulhern noted Turning Point will still be a community-based organization dependent on community financial support, stressing the importance for the organization to continue to offer its services at no charge to patients and families.
“Our employees will become hospital employees and the hospital will assume administrative responsibilities. For our programs to continue to touch thousands of people throughout the region, we will still need community funding,” she emphasized.
Hospital officials praised the work of Turning Point and ensured the organization’s broad community reach would continue.
“First and foremost, Turning Point shares our culture as a patient first organization,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital. “While we want to have more of our patients use their services, its mission will continue to be to work for patients and families across the region.”
Turning Point will maintain its name and headquarters in Leawood, Kan., Page said.
Page also noted the relationship with Turning Point will benefit The University of Kansas Cancer Center in its pursuit of a Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, the next level in National Cancer Institute designation.
“As a community-based organization and one that cares about the family and patient dynamics of living with chronic illnesses, we look forward to a great foundation and future opportunities to expand our services across the region,” said Dr. Mulhern.
