NUNM to provide primary naturopathic healthcare services at Rose Haven’s NW Portland facility beginning June 27

PORTLAND, OR – National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and Rose Haven announced today that the University will again provide naturopathic primary care services at the innovative day shelter and community center after NUNM’s services were paused in 2020 due to COVID-19 following nearly 10 years of collaboration. The partnership resumes in Rose Haven’s new 11,700 square-foot facility in NW Portland, and coincides with NUNM’s summer term, which begins June 27, 2022.

Meeting the needs of women, children and people of marginalized genders experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home and other disruptive life challenges, Rose Haven’s new space includes designated areas for both urgent and primary care treatment. The facility was created with a trauma-informed design in which color, lights, layout and functionality were all carefully considered to be mindful of their guests’ wellbeing, autonomy and past traumas.

As part of NUNM’s Community Health Centers program, the Rose Haven site is one of several partnerships the University aims to reestablish following a pandemic-related hiatus. Established in the 1990s to ensure safe access to naturopathic primary care for culturally and ethnically diverse, medically underserved and low-income populations, Community Health Centers act as teaching clinics designed to improve access for patients in Oregon – which has the second highest rate of unsheltered homelessness in the United States – while providing medical students with a more diverse clinical experience serving populations with unique health conditions and experiences. NUNM Residents treat patients alongside NUNM’s faculty of licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs), bringing together the training in trauma-informed care and health equity principles that are woven into the curriculum at NUNM.

“With the looming housing crisis locally and both reproductive and trans health under fire, our timing couldn’t be more critical,” said NUNM President and CEO Melanie Henriksen, ND, LAc, CNM.

“The missions of both NUNM and Rose Haven are deeply rooted in compassionate care. Working together as part of a broader safety net, we can help at-risk patients better achieve whole health by addressing their social and physical needs.”

NUNM President and CEO Melanie Henriksen, ND, LAc, CNM

Rose Haven, which relies largely on the support of community volunteers, has historically served more than 3,500 individuals annually with meals, emergency supplies, showers, laundry, device chargers and technical support stations, among other services. In its new expanded facility, that number is expected to double.

Beginning June 27, NDs will provide on-site care one day a week. Since most of Rose Haven’s population is experiencing homelessness or trauma due to domestic violence, common concerns are women’s health, mental health and addiction. This new facility is a sanctuary to those who access services there, emphasizing the importance of the space being intentionally designed as a healing place.

“This is so much more than a building. It is a home for thousands of marginalized people in our community who so desperately need a place of indoor respite and safety during the day – a place where they can heal and learn and get connected to vital resources that allow them to redeem their quality of life,” said Katie O’Brien, Rose Haven Executive Director.

[Rose Haven] is a home for thousands of marginalized people in our community who so desperately need a place of indoor respite and safety during the day – a place where they can heal … “

Katie O’Brien, Rose Haven Executive Director

Established in 1956, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is the country’s premier accredited naturopathic university. A leader in the field of naturopathic medical education and evidence-based research, its mission is to educate and train physicians, practitioners and pre-professionals in the art, science and research of natural medicine.