Empowering Women’s Health: Christina Farr’s Journey at CareArc
In December of last year, Christina Farr became a pioneering force within CareArc by establishing its new women’s health department. As a dedicated Women’s Health Practitioner, she has committed herself to educating women about their health and providing crucial services to those in need.
Comprehensive Services Offered
Farr’s expertise encompasses a wide range of services, including pap smears, feminine examinations, pregnancy confirmations, menopause management, and prenatal care. Among her most sought-after services are various birth control options, such as oral contraceptives, IUD insertions, and Nexplanon. To support low-income women, Farr provides free or discounted birth control through ARCH, a program initiated by CareArc. Additionally, she offers complimentary Breast and Cervical Cancer screenings as part of the Early Detection Works initiative, managed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Tackling Financial Barriers
Farr highlights a significant barrier many women face regarding cancer screenings: cost. “That likely is the primary reason women hesitate to get screened,” she explains. “When finances are tight, healthcare takes a backseat. Our goal is to alleviate that burden, allowing women to focus on their health without the stress of financial constraints.”
Professional Background and Dedication
Before her role at CareArc, Farr, a native of Emporia, built her career as a labor and delivery nurse at Newman Regional while also taking shifts at the Labor and Delivery Unit at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City. “My first experience with childbirth solidified my passion for this field,” Farr remembers. “I started at Newman and spent ten fulfilling years there, deepening my love for labor and delivery with each passing day.”
Academic Accomplishments
In 2023, Farr earned her Doctor of Nursing as a Certified Nurse Midwife from the University of Kansas. She had previously become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant in 2019 and graduated with her B.S. in Nursing from Emporia State University in 2013. While her background in labor and delivery paved the way for her prenatal care skills, she acknowledged that the gynecological aspects of her role presented new challenges.
A Commitment to Accessibility
CareArc adopts a sliding scale payment model to ensure medical care is accessible to all. Patients living at or below the federal poverty line receive full medical services for a nominal fee of $30, with significant discounts available based on income, regardless of insurance status. Farr noted that many women who seek CareArc’s services have never previously attended a women’s health appointment.
Breaking Down Barriers to Care
“The cost of pap smears and related testing can be prohibitive, especially without insurance,” she stated, emphasizing the positive impact her services have had on the community. “I believe it has been a game changer for many women.”
A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
Farr adopts a holistic approach in her patient care, prioritizing education on the importance of women’s health. She ensures that every patient understands the rationale and procedure for any treatments and actively considers individual patient needs.
Educating for Empowerment
“Providing the right information in relatable terms is essential,” Farr noted. “It empowers women to make informed health decisions suitable for their circumstances.”
