ABOUT US
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
We champion a healthier future for Kansas City by providing support to medical access and empowering health education to uplift our community.
Our Vision
A Healthier Kansas City.
Access to healthcare and education are the cornerstones of thriving communities. Every program, grant, and scholarship we support is rooted in this commitment to create long-term, measurable change.
Core Values
At AcruxKC, our work is guided by five core values that shape every decision we make:
Our values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation for how we collaborate, serve, and build trust in our community.
Our History
Although AcruxKC was officially established in 2002, our roots go much deeper. Formed through the legacy of two Kansas City hospitals with decades of service, we carry forward a rich history of medical care, education, and community commitment.
From funding local clinics to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals, our work builds on a legacy of care that spans over a century.
[Read More About Our History]
Leadership & Board of Directors
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Our leadership team and board of directors bring diverse experience in healthcare, education, nonprofit administration, and community development. Together, they guide AcruxKC with a shared dedication to our mission and the people we serve.
Leadership Team
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Beth Radtke
Executive Director
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Tammy Collingworth
Vice President, Community Program
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Jolanta Liu
Vice President, AccessKC
Board of Directors
Craig Roeder, Chair
Harley Metcalfe, Vice Chair
Gretchen Green, Secretary
Liz Deckert, Treasurer
Ken Woodward, Immediate Past Chair
Karole Bradford, Medical Assistance Committee Chair
Rich Jones, Finance Committee Chair
Francisco Lopez, Health Education Committee Chair
Kavitha Arabindoo, MD
Jim Brown
Bette Croes
Sara Goodburn
Sarah Hazelwood
Shelly Iseman
Maggie Ross
Anna Soe
Manuel Solano, MD
Kia Turner, EdD
Meghan Wendland, DDS, MPH
Emeritus Directors
Cheryl Anderson
Virginia Coppinger
James B. Earnest, MD
John McKeever
Jane P. Rues, EdD
Al W. Tikwart, Jr.
David A. Tillema, MD
Impact
Real Support. Measurable Change.
At AcruxKC, our mission comes to life through tangible impact. Whether it's a scholarship that helps launch a nursing career or emergency medical services that restore health and hope, every dollar we steward fuels a healthier Kansas City.
Recent Highlights
💰 $160,000 awarded in nursing scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year
🏥 Over $1.2 million in health services for area residents with financial need
🏫 Dozens of schools and nonprofits empowered through health grant funding
👩⚕️ 100 healthcare professionals advanced their expertise through Continuing Medical Education
Our work is built on trust, transparency, and purpose. Our annual report shares how your support—and our programs—make a lasting difference.