The Health Resource encourages educated patients

When Jan Guthrie was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer in 1984, she needed more information about her rare diagnosis and a doctor who would offer her the best treatment options. She found both through extensive research and developed a business plan to help others “who see the value of information in making health care decisions.”

“It was my vision that people would take charge of their health care,” Guthrie said.

So she founded The Health Resource Inc., which is dedicated to providing state of the art information about conditions, treatment options, specialists and location of services. Clients are given current, objective information from medical journals, databases and files that addresses the condition, offers causes and covers all possible treatment options.

“We give them the information to make the very best treatment decision, whether it be mainstream, experimental or integrative,” Guthrie said. “It’s like a second opinion, but with research.”

Each client receives an individualized report prepared by researchers trained by the National Library of Medicine. Two researchers work from the Conway office, while additional support is provided by workers in Little Rock and Houston.

Guthrie said that the majority of clients are patients who have been referred by family, friends, other clients or doctors. Approximately 30 percent of reports are prepared for cancer patients, though other common diagnoses include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hip or knee replacements and benign prostate enlargement. Most often a diagnosis has been presented, though research can be done on concrete, chronic symptoms.

For those who can’t afford fees associated with the reports, the Hope & Healing Pathways Foundation was established in 2004. Both low income clients and those clients who may have been financially devastated by the costs of an unexpected illness may request assistance. Eligibility is determined by a statement of need, and funding is provided largely from grateful clients of The Health Resource.

Since 1984, The Health Resource has helped more than 20,000 clients around the world.

“Many international clients request reports because they’re thinking of coming to America for treatment or want to know what’s going on in their country,” Guthrie said.

Her goal today remains the same as it was more than 20 years ago – to help clients take an active role in their health care.

“Educate yourself, educate yourself, educate yourself,” Guthrie said. “Make an informed decision.

“Be an informed patient. Become a partner with your doctor in your health care decisions.”

 

The Health Resource, Inc.
933 Faulkner Street
Conway, AR