2023 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award: Kare Health & Wellness LLC

Therapy
Kare officials say one of the clinic’s most innovative services is intravenous therapy, which delivers vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the bloodstream to correct intracellular nutrient deficiencies. Sutton, a nurse practitioner, has personally developed many of the infusion protocols in the clinic and develops each patient’s infusion treatment plan.

17,000
The small, independent medical facility has undergone increased need to grow its space for treating patients since beginning operations in 1,000 square feet 12 years ago. Kare moved in 2014 to a 4,700-square-foot space and has since expanded its facility twice. It currently fills 17,000 square feet, expanding in 2020 to the second floor of its building at 1435 E. Bradford Parkway.

Contributions
Bell-ringing for The Salvation Army is a holiday tradition for Kare employees, while the organization also has sponsored sports programs at the Ozark School District, including cross country and soccer. It also contributes backpacks and back-to-school supplies to children through area churches such as The Venues and James River Church.

383%
Kare’s staff size has come a long way since founder Keri Sutton decided to open her own primary care clinic in Springfield with just herself and a nurse, along with her husband answering phones. The clinic currently employs 29 full-time workers, an all-time high, and has experienced a 383% increase since 2016.