A Brief History of Inner City Health Center

Not long after their second meeting, Dr. Williams shared with Dr. Claassen, the vision of a joint practice and opening a nonprofit clinic to serve the uninsured in Denver, Colorado. The two physicians would each donate 20 hours weekly at the clinic and earn a living by working the other 20 hours a week in their private practice. Dr. Claassen and his wife, Marjanne, were already committed to the idea of providing health care to the poor through their work in Mississippi. After a time of prayer and consideration, the Claassens felt led to relocate to Denver and help start the vision. The two doctors split Dr. Williams’ private practice 50/50. When one was volunteering at the clinic, the other was in the suburban practice earning an income. Jan also volunteered as a counselor but soon assumed the role of administrator. Together, the three Bob, Jan, and Duane would found Inner City Health Center.

Another critical piece that needed to be placed was engaging the community. In addressing the question of where to locate the clinic, a needs assessment was conducted to determine the greatest medical disparity, least access, and lowest income levels. In the early 80’s, the Five Points community had the highest infant mortality rate, lowest income level, and least access to private, affordable health care in the Metropolitan Denver area. So the founders began to hold regular meetings with the Five Points community neighborhood associations, pastors of neighborhood churches, and other leaders of the community. In these meetings pertinent questions were asked, like, was the perception of dire need accurate? Perhaps the most crucial of all questions was, if white suburbanites offered health services would residents (primarily people of color) of the inner city come and accept the care offered? The answer from the community was a resounding, yes! This group of advisors met monthly with the three founders for a whole year, answering questions, giving direction, advice, and supporting the formation of the clinic in prayer. Needless to say, the relationship established between the founders and the community representatives was a strong one. This didn’t happen by accident. Building relationships was an intentional and essential part of the vision. Today it remains a key component of the Health Center’s personality and operating dynamic.

So strong was the rapport with the community group that they became part of the formal advisory board of ICHC after the clinic opened on December 3, 1983. In fact, it was this advisory group that recommended the name “Inner City Health Center”. They also urged that the new ministry be located in a vacant medical office at 34th Downing Street. Even more impressive was the fact that both families the Williams’ and Claassen's relocated to the inner city. This was a powerful and profound statement of the sincerity and commitment to the community. While the doctors volunteered their services, Jan volunteered her time as a counselor and later became the Executive Director after completing her Masters in Public Administration.

As reflected in its Mission Statement, the Clinic was solidly grounded in Christian principles. These values inspired its holistic approach to health care. From the beginning, Inner City Health Center sought to serve the whole person and offered services in five primary areas prenatal, pediatric, and adult medical care, along with dentistry and counseling. In fact, ICHC was one of the earliest providers in the region to recognize the critical need to integrate oral and mental health care in addressing the well being of the whole person – especially within needy and at risk populations of people.

Of course, the years also brought change. One by one, the founders began to retire. Jan was first to say goodbye in 2001. She was followed by her husband, Dr. Bob Williams in 2003. Last but not least, Dr. Duane Claassen bid adieu in 2005. However, over the years this phenomenal trio was blessed to see their vision grow tremendously. In the first year of operation, the clinic had less than 2,000 patient visits. Twenty years later that number was well over 20,000 annually.

Dramatic change continued. In the spring of 2001, Inner City Health Center opened New Hope Dental Services in collaboration with St. Anthony Hospital, University of Colorado Dental School, and Doctor’s Care. Almost simultaneously, we added a new Diabetic Program. Later that same year, following the retirement of Janet Williams, Kraig Burleson who joined the staff in 1994 as Business Manager and would become Chief Financial Officer was installed as CEO. In 2006, Congregational Health Ministry was brought into the fold and the Health Center continued to grow and expand until the demand for service far outstripped capacity. This led Inner City Health Center to embark on an ambitious $5 million dollar Capital Campaign which culminated in the construction of a new clinical home. After 25 years in the historic Five Points neighborhood, Inner City Health Center relocated to its beautiful new home at 3800 York Street… The rest, as they say, is history.