Founded in 2016 by Dr. Jawad Trad, Cura for the World seeks to provide free medical care, education, and nutritional sourcing to help impoverished communities worldwide lift themselves out of poverty and flourish in self-sustaining ways. Dr. Trad compassionately and lovingly put it this way, “CURA for the world was founded on a vision to heal and nourish the neglected, to break the chains of the illiterate, to reach the unreachable and to have limitless love in a world where love is often forgotten.” In a country known worldwide for our wealth and the great American dream, many of us seem to have lost the message or found ourselves suffering in a perpetual state of invisible poverty. Fortunately, Cura for the World planted its first U.S. based clinic in Creek County.
“Cura” means a healing or helping hand. Like their friend and colleague Dr. Trad, Tulsa area doctors Rachel Ray and Zachary Fowler desired to serve populations in need of medical care but wanted to serve uninsured locals. After discussing their desires with Dr. Trad, they joined efforts with him, opening the first and only U.S. based Cura clinic in Sapulpa. Currently, they serve as the clinic’s associate medical directors.
Each Tuesday evening for the past two years, healthcare volunteers staff the Cura clinic in Sapulpa, serving some of Creek County’s residents in need of medical care. Only uninsured persons ineligible for Medicare and Medicaid and with limited incomes are eligible for services. The clinic provides non-emergent care for routine and chronic health conditions and does not prescribe or store any controlled sub-those with Regional Medical Laboratory, Med-World Pharmacy, and Dispensary of Hope, it also offers limited laboratory testing and prescription assistance free of charge for patients who qualify.
For its first two and a half years, the clinic based its services out of a small but welcomed and appreciated space. Michelle Jewell donated the space for Cura’s use free of charge during that time. However, Cura received grants and donations over the last year, affording them the opportunity to secure a larger facility, quadrupling their space to serve patients and the community. In addition to the larger space, Cura secured a grant through the Tulsa Area United Way to host an onsite pharmacy. Now, most patients will be able to see a practitioner and receive needed medications without cost. January 4th was its first evening to host patients in its new location.
Securing and opening the new location proved challenging at times. With funding tight, volunteers gifting their own time after working long hours, and limited facilities adequate for their needs available, everyone shared excitement once they secured the new location. Unfortunately, new challenges quickly arose.
As volunteers worked to build exam rooms, cabinetry, paint, and renovate the space, they discovered mold growing throughout the facility. Nine long months of working to eradicate it finally paid off, though, and work proceeded at a quick pace to get the clinic open and running. This week, all of that diligent work proved fruitful as the relocated clinic opened its doors for the first time.
With the new location, many new opportunities arrive as well. The Cura clinic continues to seek donations, sponsors, and medical and community volun teers. Clinic Director Sam Elzay organizes and schedules all volunteers. Send an email to CuraSapulpa@gmail.com for more information about sponsoring, donating, or volunteering.
Whether you want to be involved in serving with Cura to meet medical needs of the financially disadvantaged or need its services, one thing is certain of Cura: the clinic offers a more connected, relaxed, and caring environment than the typical American medical system. For example, only a single staff member is a paid employee with volunteers dedicating themselves and their time to bettering patients’ health and lives without monetary compensation, insurance claims, and other constraints. Their intent is clear: improve life by making healthcare accessible and compassionate.
Dr. Fowler noted how great a difference their work makes for many, stating that the clinic made critical diagnoses for pa tients suffering from cancer and other serious ailments requiring surgery that otherwise would have gone undiagnosed and untreated. As for how he feels about serving with Cura, Dr. Fowler said, “Serving the community is rewarding. Giving the gift of health and wellness improves lives in profound ways, many of which we never know. Being able to appreciate how great an impact a simple act of caring and compassion make in a person’s life is the greatest reward. We’d love to get the community plugged into joining us, so that we can continue to serve permanently.”
The clinic’s new address is 1500 East Dewey Avenue in Sapulpa with operating hours each Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30. To inquire about eligibility or to book an appointment, call 918-347-9221. For more information about Cura for the World’s worldwide and U.S. endeavors, visit its website: curafortheworld.org.