The History

The idea for YOUR-CENTER.com was conceived following the acquisition of Columbus Comprehensive Health Center (CCHC) by The Ohio State University. The Center was founded and directed by Melinda Cooksey, YOUR-CENTER.com's co-founder, and provided community service programs, a health reference lending library, and a one-of-a-kind team approach toward total health. It began organizing itself in 2002 to be a powerful force in health care to the greater Columbus area. As CCHC began paving the way for a new paradigm in health care, professional collaborations were solidified and defined a unique team-based approach to integrative health care.

The Center administrated and fostered interprofessional practice and teamwork between nearly 30 health and wellness experts. All of the practitioners sought to be part of CCHC because they believed in its mission to lead the way in the field of integrative health care. It was always Melinda Cooksey's goal to have Columbus Comprehensive Health Center move to a larger and more visible facility to better accommodate the demand for the practitioners and their services. This opportunity seemingly came as The Ohio State University approached Cooksey to merge her center with the Primary Care Network within the University Medical Center. The OSU Center for Integrative Medicine opened in January of 2005.

During this process, Cooksey's beliefs about the integrative medical model became clearer. "I was raised in a home with a strong Christian Science undercurrent. This certainly had a formative role in my beliefs about health, the power of thought, and the art of intuition. Depending on what the problem was, sometimes we would call our family doctor, sometimes we would call a Christian Science practitioner and pray, other times I was encouraged to simply rest and eat well. All of these options are equally valid; each has their own moment and reason; all are uniquely able to access our health in various overlapping ways. The integrative healthcare model I propose needs to be implemented in a way that is lateral, horizontal, and nonhierarchical. If it works for you, it has merit."

"In order for each of these wellness disciplines to find credibility and professional standing, they need to find their own scholars. We cannot have a doctor of medicine dictating the practice of an energy practitioner or movement teacher; these practitioners need to be able to interact on an equal playing field for the patient to be truly supported in an integrative way. The model I believe in is well suited to grow out in the community where it can spread laterally as a support net for those served."

Though Columbus Comprehensive Health Center no longer exists as an independent entity, the principles and ideals upon which it was founded still exist for us at YOUR-CENTER.com. We were then, as we are now, dedicated to offering the community new choices for health and wellness. The greater Columbus area is pulsing with the skills of the entire spectrum of physical, spiritual, cognitive and holistic care providers. And so the support network grows... In line with the goals of Columbus Comprehensive Health Center, YOUR-CENTER.com brings you responsible resources for your total health, absolute wellness and complete empowerment!

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