Explore the Possibilities in Health Careers with Inspire Health
Inspire Health Foundation (IHF), a subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, promotes health careers by engaging students, parents, and educators in and out of the classroom. Located at the John U. Parolo Education Center in Pittsburg, IHF creates opportunities for students to receive hands-on learning from experts in the healthcare field through camps and activities aimed at sparking an interest in healthcare.
Inspire Health Foundation Camps
At Inspire Health Kids Camp (for pre-k through elementary school students) and the Inspire Health Academy (for junior and high school students) students learn about different healthcare fields from CHC/SEK health professionals, pediatric dental residents and family medicine residents.
Pre-K Inspire Health Kids Mini-Camps (4 and 5-year olds)
Dates: June 23, 24, and 25
Time: 8:30 am – 11 am
Location: John U. Parolo Education Center
Cost: Free to attend, spots are limited!
Description: Designed for our youngest learners, this mini-camp introduces health and wellness through play, movement, and hands-on fun. Campers will explore healthy habits and meet friendly healthcare helpers—all in a fun, welcoming environment that builds curiosity and confidence. Join us for one day or stay for all three-each day features new activities and topics.
Inspire Health Kids Camp (Entering 1st — 3rd Grade)
Dates: June 30 – July 2
Time: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Location: John U. Parolo Education Center
Cost: $120
Description: Young campers will explore the world of health and wellness through fun, hands-on activities designed for early learners. With the help of local healthcare professionals, students will get a playful introduction to fields like medicine, dentistry, and more. This year, campers will field trip to Misty Morning Farms with our dietitian to learn how food grows and supports healthy bodies. Campers will also observe an instructor conducting a mammal dissection.
Inspire Health Kids Camp (Entering 4th — 6th Grade)
Dates: July 14 – 17
Time: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Location: John U. Parolo Education Center
Cost: $160
Description: Campers will explore the world of healthcare through interactive workshops, creative projects, and engaging lessons led by CHC/SEK health professionals—including physicians, dentists, physical therapists, and more. They’ll discover how different health careers work together to care for patients—and may even find inspiration for a future career! Along the way, campers will visit Misty Morning Farms to learn about nutrition from the ground up, spend time at Orion Ranch Sanctuary to explore how connecting with animals and nature supports our nervous system, and experience a day on PSU’s campus alongside nursing students and other health science learners. Campers will also participate in small-group mammal dissections.
Inspire Health Academy (Entering 7th — 12 Grade)
Dates: July 21 – 24
Time: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Location: John U. Parolo Education Center
Cost: $160
Description: Designed for middle and high school students interested in healthcare, this academy-style camp offers an in-depth look at medical, dental, and behavioral health careers. Campers will learn from multi-disciplinary professionals through hands-on activities, clinical simulations, and Q&A sessions—gaining insight into real-world care and career pathways. Highlights include visits to Misty Morning Farms to explore nutrition and food systems, time at Orion Horse Sanctuary to understand how connection with animals and nature supports the nervous system, and a day on PSU’s campus alongside students in nursing and other health science programs. Campers will also complete a guided mammal dissection alongside a physician.
Sponsor a Student’s Camp Experience
Community members interested in supporting student participation can sponsor a week-long camp experience through a $150 scholarship donation. To donate, click here.
Inspire Health Foundation Gallery
For Schools
Skeletal System
Set includes:
- The Skeletal System Poster
- Anatomy of the Spine Poster
- Ligaments of the Joints Poster
- Life-size Human Skeleton (on a rolling stand)
- True-to-Life Human X-Rays
- Broken Bones X-Ray Set
- Fixed Bones X-Ray Set
- Human Anatomy Study Cube
- Human Body Puzzle (100 pieces)
- 4D Skeleton Model
- LED Light (for use with x-rays)
- Magnetic Skeleton
- Human Body Model
Books:
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Inside Your Outside!
- Biomedical Science Professionals
- Danny’s Healthcare Heroes
- Great Careers in Health Care
- Radiology for Kids
- Orthopedic Surgery for Kids
- Your Future as a Physical Therapist
- Bones in the Human Body!
- C is for Chiropractor
- Jump-Starting a Career in Radiology
Human Brain
Set includes:
- Foam Brain Model (2 piece)
- Human Brain Model Anatomy 9-part model
- Anatomy of the Brain Poster
- Spinal and Cranial Nerves Poster
- Nervous System Poster
- Skull Model (15 parts)
- Brain Puzzle (100 parts)
- Human Anatomy Study Cube
- Medical Terminology (1000 Cards)
- 4D Head Model
- Human Head Jigsaw Puzzle (538 pieces)
- Human Body Puzzle (200 pieces)
Books:
- Doc 2 Doc Tony and Jace Learn About the Brain
- Neurology for Kids
- The Human Brain Book
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Jump Starting a Career in Mental Health and Therapy
- My Little Brain! Explaining the Human Brain for Kids
- Big Brain Book: How it Works and All its Quirks
- Good Night to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain
Respiratory System
Set includes:
- Respiratory System Poster
- Respiratory System Study Card
- Human Thorax Puzzle ( 500 pieces)
- Respiratory System Model (1:3 scale; 21 pieces)
- Pulse Oximeter
- Respiratory System Model
- Interactive Human Body Model (28 pieces)
- Larynx Model *For younger students, use under supervision
- Human Body Model
- Respiratory System Model (7 parts)
- List Item
Books:
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Pulmonology for Kids
- My Mom is a Respiratory Therapist
- Medical Terminology
- Anesthesiology for Kids
- Respiratory Therapists: Practical Career Guides
- The Science of Snot and Phlegm: The Slimy Truth About Breathing
Multi-Set
Set includes:
- Human Ear Poster
- Inner Ear Model (2 part)
- Ear Anatomy Pocket Chart
- Ear Reference Guide
- Body Puzzle (100 pieces)
- Visible Human Body with squishable organs
- Dental Guide (2)
- Skin Reference Guide
- Human Skin Model
- Mouth Model
- Mouth Model with Dental Work Examples
- Healthy/Unhealthy Tooth Model
- Science Snippets: The Human Body
- Human Anatomy Study Cube
Books:
- Jump-Starting a Career in Dentistry
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Metamorphosis of Medicine
- Great Careers in Healthcare
- 50 Things to Know about Becoming a Doctor
- Dr. Bob Teaches Kids about our Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Heart, and Lungs
- Skintacular Facts!
- Dermatology for Kids
- National Geographic Weird but True! Human Body
- Future in Smiles: A Kids Guide to Becoming a Dentist
The Eye
Set includes:
- Human Eyeball Model
- Cross-Section Human Eye Model
- Eye Anatomy Poster
- Human Eye Puzzle (544 pieces)
- 4D Eye Model
- Glow in the Dark Interactive Human Body Model
- Human Body Puzzle (200 pieces)
- Human Torso Model with Organs (approx. 11" tall)
- Small Skull with Brain Model
- Heart Model
Books:
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Patricia’s Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight
- Optometrists and What They Do
- What My Eye Doctor Sees
- Ophthalmology for Kids
- Jump-Starting a Career in Optometry and Ophthalmology
Human Heart
Set includes:
- Pumping Heart Model
- Human Heart Model
- Human Heart Puzzle
- Pulse Oximeter
- The Heart Study Guide
- Anatomy of the Heart Poster
- Circulatory System Poster
- Cross-Section Foam Heart Model
- 4D Heart Model (31 piece)
- Visible Human Body with Squishable Organs
- Human Organs Puzzle (1000 pieces)
Books:
- A Drop of Blood
- Cardiology for Kids
- Hematology and Oncology for Kids
- What’s It Really Like to Be a Doctor?
- ¿Que Significa Ser Medico?
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas
- Metamorphosis of Medicine
- Human Body Activity Book & Facts
Digestive System
Set includes:
- Digestive System Poster
- Digestive System Model
- Stomach Model (12 parts)
- Liver and Pancreas Model
- Human Anatomy Study Cube
- Human Anatomy Model Body with Removable Organs
- My Body Voice Pedia Interactive Body
- Human Abdomen Puzzle (502 pieces)
- Human Body Floor Puzzle (100 pieces)
Books:
- Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide
- Gastroenterology for Kids
- Doctor in the Making
- Medical Office Professionals
- Jump-Starting a Career in Nursing
- Super Foods for Super Kids
- Eat Well and Feel Great: The Teenagers Guide to Nutrition and Health
- Are You What You Eat? A Guide to What's on Your Plate and Why
- Great Careers in Health Care
PreK - Lower Elementary
Set includes:
- Organ Apron
- Double Sided Magnetic Human Body (17 pieces)
- Human Body Busy Book
- Human Body Model with Removable Organs
- Anatomy Puzzles (x4)
- Interactive Anatomy Poster
- Plush Oral Hygiene Model
- Mouth Model (Able to brush and Get Wet)
- Mouth Model
Books:
- Inside Your Outsides
- Danny’s Healthcare Heroes
- Nurse Bear Does First Aid
- Doctors and What They Do
- This is How We Stay Healthy
- My Friend Toothy
- Where the Sugar Bugs Live
- Aiden Goes to Speech
- The Tooth Book
Stethoscopes
Set includes:
- 30 Stethoscopes
- Disinfecting Wipes
Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship
The Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship is named for Dr. Darwin Anderson, PhD, and Pam Anderson, LSCSW, who over their 18+ years with CHC/SEK, were instrumental in developing the behavioral health program we have today. This scholarship is open to applicants pursuing a clinical track Masters, or Doctoral Degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited university.
Dr. Jerry and Norma Hamm Scholarship
Dr. Jerry (1933-2023) and Norma Hamm (1933-2023) were lifelong residents of southeast Kansas, educators and advocates for the region and its people. Both dedicated their careers (and retirement) to advancing the importance of education through service and were deeply committed to family and friends. Dr. Hamm was integral in establishing a clinic and a three school-based health centers in Coffeyville in 2011 and served as a member of CHC’s Board of Directors from 2015-2023. Prior to his passing, Dr. Hamm was named the 2023 Sheridan Award recipient, the highest honor bestowed by CHC.
To honor their lives lived for others, their work to improve communities, their service to CHC/SEK and their commitment to education, Inspire Health has established the Dr. Jerry and Norma Hamm Scholarship Fund.
Judge Daniel D. Creitz Legal Education Scholarship
To honor Chief Judge Creitz and the 40 years, and counting, of his dedication to legal excellence, community leadership, healthy families, and brighter futures in Southeast Kansas, Inspire Health Foundation is pleased to accept applications for the Judge Daniel D. Creitz Legal Education Scholarship.
Nancy Evans Community Health Nursing Scholarship
To honor Nancy Evans, BSN, RN, for her 17 years of service to the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) and a lifetime dedicated to nursing, CHC/SEK has established the Nancy Evans Community Health Nursing Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. Over the span of 17 years, Nancy was part of the beginnings of many services at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. This scholarship is open to applicants pursuing a higher education degree from an accredited nursing program in the region who is entering their final year of study in the nursing field.
Dr. Daniel & Jeannette Minnis Oral Health Scholarship
The Dr. Daniel and Mrs. Jeannette Minnis Oral Health Scholarship was established in 2008 in honor of the Minnis’ commitment to improving the health and well-being of citizens of southeast Kansas. Applicants must be a 3rd-year student enrolled in the pre-dental program/track at Pittsburg State University (PSU) in Pittsburg, Kansas, at the time of application. The recipient should be interested in a career path focusing on rural/underserved dental needs.
Contact Inspire Health
Leah Gagnon
Director of Inspire Health Foundation
[email protected]
620-258-8325
John U. Parolo Education Center
3015 N. Michigan St.
Pittsburg, KS 66762