Bastyr University at Edmonds Senior Center Has Open House on Wednesday

Bastyr University, at the , will hold an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the center.

More than 150 people, including Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling and other elected officials and donors, will attend the ceremony on the second floor of the ballroom.

Bastyr University, based in Kenmore and the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the country, is now seeing patients at the off-site naturopathic vlinic.

Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary care medicine that emphasizes prevention and wellness. It is used in the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases such as stress, digestive problems, colds, flus, allergies, asthma and depression.

“We are overjoyed that we have the opportunity to bring natural health services to our seniors,” said Edmonds Senior Center executive director Farrell Fleming. “Whether due to health or transportation issues, getting around can sometimes be a challenge for our clients, so to give them this kind of easy accessibility for whatever ails them is extremely helpful.”

The new clinic is the latest in a long line of Bastyr University off-site health facilities that cater to underserved communities. Currently, there are more than a dozen different community care and natural health clinics throughout the greater Seattle area.

This one is different though, as the Edmonds Senior Center is investing $55,000 of its own money over three years to help the program get started. The money will be raised through individual donations and special grants.

“Like all of our off-site clinics, this one will be catered specifically to meet the needs of the patients we serve—in this case, seniors,” said Bastyr University Dean of Naturopathic Medicine Jane Guiltinan, ND. “It is a win-win situation because not only will the seniors get individualized care to help them lead happier and healthier lives in their golden years, but the student practitioners will gain valuable experience in a real-world setting, which will only enhance their training.”

The Bastyr University open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony is Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. For more information, go to the center's Web site or call 425-774-5555.