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Ever wonder what happens to the money from unclaimed winning racing tickets from Kentucky’s racetracks?
It may be surprising that it doesn’t end up lining the pockets of Churchill Downs investors; it goes to the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of thoroughbred racing employees.
To implement such improvements, the KRHWF has partnered with the University of Louisville to develop the Kentucky Racing Health Services Center, a clinic located near Churchill Downs, to provide primary care services to Churchill Downs backside employees.
Backside employees are the lifeblood of the racing industry, responsible for feeding, conditioning, and exercising the horses.
Positions include blacksmiths, grooms, and hot-walkers, among others.
The grueling labor that ensures the majestic appearance and condition of the horses requires long hours that push the envelope of the workers’ health.
That’s where the KRHSC comes in. Three days a week, nurse practitioners and instructors in the nursing school, Sara Kowalczyk and Whitney Nash see to the medical needs of many of the backside workers. They diagnose and treat illnesses in addition to providing preventative health maintenance such as PAP smears, physicals and blood tests.
In addition to providing health care, the clinic is a place where nursing school students can receive instruction in a real-world environment.
Second degree nursing student Kristen Menefee appreciates the experience, “It’s very educational to witness the environment that I’m going to be in after nursing school as an R.N. The hands-on experiences add to the already valuable education I receive at U of L.”
“[Kowalczyk] kind of like a case worker because not only does she serve them medically, she also helps them figure out how to pay for things, and teaches them how to better care for themselves,” said Samantha Tackett a junior at the nursing school. “You can tell she makes a great impact [on their lives] and that they like her.”
Nash, the clinic’s director, appreciates the inter-disciplinary potential of the clinic, as Latin American Studies and medical students often contribute for translating and other medical assistance.
“The clinic is also an opportunity for students from multiple disciplines to hone their skills,” she said. “It’s a place where students from multiple disciplines can work together, learn together, and begin to appreciate each others’ roles in the health care system.”
LAS students are important because most of the patients speak little to no English, and language issues can hinder care.
Junior nursing student Jamie Obaya said, “It’s a huge barrier, but it’s beneficial that [Kowalczyk] can speak some Spanish.”
However, communication is much smoother with the presence of bilingual students, and the situation allows LAS students to improve linguistically and to observe the culture of the largely immigrant population.
Kowalczyk enjoys working with the backside workers and their families, “It’s nice to have the opportunity to provide primary care to those who may not be able to receive it on their own. The patients are always very appreciative for the care they receive. Additionally, providing an alternative to the emergency room for minor illness improves the efficiency of the city’s health care structure.”
So, if you ever notice that you’ve lost a winning ticket at the track, rest assured that your loss will help sustain the health of the backside employees.
