Annual Report
Boise Acupuncture Cooperative is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit acupuncture clinic in Idaho.
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More people are seeking out acupuncture care, but most clinics do not have accessible hours for working people.
The Problems
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The reliance on opioids for pain management has led to a national crisis.
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Acupuncture care is not affordable for many people living in the Treasure Valley.
Our Solutions
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Treatments at BAC are widely available. We can see an average of 60 patients per day, 7 days per week, 8am-8pm most days.
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BAC provides treatments at an affordable sliding scale of $15-40.
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Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of pain and a valuable alternative to opioids.
BAC strives to remove as many barriers to treatment as possible so more people can receive the benefits of acupuncture care.
We do this in a handful of ways:
1. We have accessible and consistent appointments for the working person.
At least 6% of Americans are seeking alternative & complementary medicine, (“Acupuncture Use”, 2007). In the Treasure Valley alone that’s 42,590 people. This trend is expected to continue to grow.
Despite this growth in demand, there are very few options for people working regular business hours. Out of 38 acupuncture clinics in the Treasure Valley, only 4 are open after 6 pm. Only 3 clinics are open on the weekends.
BAC gives plenty of opportunities for folks to receive acupuncture! We are open 7 days per week, mornings, afternoons and evenings and can see up to 60 people per day on average.
"Thanks for being open, affordable, friendly and effective."
2. We are the most affordable option in the Treasure Valley.
Cost of care is a significant barrier to treatment. To be most effective, acupuncture therapy often requires 4-12 treatments per month, depending on the individual.
BAC charges on a sliding scale of $25-60 per treatment. Patients decide what they can pay, no questions asked. We offer assistance via programs for those having difficulty affording treatment.
"I love that this place is affordable to anyone who may need acupuncture and not just people with a ton of money."
3. We provide an alternative to addictive opioids for pain management.
"I had tried so many other attempts for (chronic knee pain) relief, but acupuncture was the only thing that helped."
4. We strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone in our diverse community.
Where Patients Travel From
While most of our patients live in Ada County, BAC has a far reach!
Our accessibility, affordability, transparency in our services and governance, trauma-informed approach to care and commitment to creating a safe space for everyone are a few reasons why people travel from so far to receive care at BAC.
"I felt so welcomed and was treated with such kindness. The experience was amazing and I am already seeing results."
5. We employ highly qualified, specialized acupuncturists who are dedicated to BAC's mission, vision and values.
Each acupuncturist at BAC is state-licensed, has specialized training in treating in a community setting, practices trauma-informed and culturally appropriate care, and recognizes the social disparities in our culture which require adaptability and flexibility in treatment to give effective and empowering healthcare.
Our acupuncturists are full-time, salaried employees who work hard to fulfill BAC's mission. One of our top priorities is to pay our employees a living wage so that we can maintain the integrity of our services. For more information about your team click here.
"I've been using acupuncture since '87. The practitioners at BAC are absolutely the best... You just found a true haven of healing and a supportive wellness community!"
6. We are growing responsibly to meet the needs of the community.
In BAC’s short 6 years we have seen amazing growth and community support. We have gone from 3 employees to 8, from 6 volunteers to 28, we now have a strong Board of Directors of 7 community members who are dedicated to BAC's mission
We gave 5,446 treatments in our first full year of business. In 2019, we gave 14,730 treatments - of these visits, 1,491 were first-time patients. We've successfully grown the clinic to meet demand by 37% in just 4 years.
Up to this point, BAC has been self-sustaining and has ended every year in the black. We have been financially prudent and demonstrated fiscal responsibility.
"I love this organization and feel so inspired by the work they do and the space they hold for healing. Such a gift. Thank you."
7. We are proud of where we came from and we know where we are going.
BAC has grown from humble roots. In 2014, Stacey Kelsey, Gretchen Huettig, and DaLyn Greer (pictured, from left to right) started treating patients in DaLyn’s garage, and Boise Acupuncture Co-op was born.
Since BAC opened our doors, Boise and the Treasure Valley has experienced significant growth, but despite the increasing cost of living, wages have remained rather stagnant. BAC remains committed to providing quality, affordable care for the community - in the past 6 years of service, we have never increased our prices.
BAC's decisions as a non-profit business around wages and prices are based on the intention of BAC being around to serve the community for generations to come.
However, because of the growth in Boise, it has become more difficult to maintain our mission of affordable acupuncture while still paying our employees a living wage. We now see the need to reach out to our community for support.
"I appreciate the mission of accessible care for anyone."
You can be a part of our story by investing in the health and wellness of our community's collective future.
Learn More Here
