March 10, 2022
TEMPE, Ariz. – Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (Sonoran) and the Tempe Fire Department are proud to announce a partnership aimed at supporting the health and wellness of the City’s fire and rescue workers.
The demands of fire and rescue workers’ job is extremely high, it is both a physically and mentally demanding job. Maintaining good health is a priority to being successful on the job. First responders struggle with physical ailments secondary to smoke/toxin exposure and physically demanding labor, as well as increased stress related diseases, depression, anxiety and poor sleep. This partnership aims to address those issues and provide solutions and advice for the service men and women.
“Supporting the Tempe Fire and Rescue Departments is an honor and we are proud to play our part,” said Dr. Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor, Chief Medical Officer at Sonoran. “We hope that the healthcare services and education we offer will make a difference and positive impact for the Fire and Rescue workers who bravely serve our community.”
Sonoran is offering Tempe Fire Department members a free first visit on a supervised student shift at either the Sonoran Medical Center or Neil Riordan Center. This offer is good until the end of the calendar year. The Medical Center provides a wide range of care through the naturopathic physicians. The Neil Riordan Center focuses on regenerative medicine and pain relief through innovative non-opioid therapies.
“Utilizing the expertise of the physicians and healthcare professionals at Sonoran made perfect sense for us when looking for a community partner,” said Mark Manor Deputy Chief of Tempe Fire. “Our goal is to support our crew’s mental and physical health. We hope these services will introduce them to naturopathic medicine and the benefits it can provide and be a resource for them.”
In addition to the free visits to the Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, faculty and physicians from Sonoran will be contributing to the Tempe Fire’s Wellness Wednesday posts on the department’s internal website. Topics will include detoxing after fires, managing chronic pain, stress relief techniques, nutrition – food for energy, meditation, getting healthy sleep and more.
For more information, visit patients.sonoran.edu