Institute for Natural Medicine

The Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and accessibility of naturopathic medicine. Founded with the goal of integrating natural approaches into mainstream healthcare, INM plays a crucial role as a primary philanthropic foundation for naturopathic medicine in the United States.

Mission and Vision

INM's mission is to bring whole-person health into the mainstream, emphasizing evidence-informed natural health options. The organization's vision seeks to enrich whole-person health through the use of natural medicine, focusing on preventing chronic diseases and supporting wellness through preventive care.

Programs and Initiatives

INM offers several key programs and initiatives:

• Campaign for Natural Medicine: A public education initiative providing comprehensive information on natural health and whole-person medicine.
• Find a Natural Doctor: A database connecting individuals in the U.S. and Canada with licensed naturopathic doctors, facilitating access to natural health providers.
• Interprofessional Education: Educational conferences and workshops, such as the Whole Person Pain Care series, promote integration of naturopathic and conventional medicine.
• Naturally Well: A nutrition and cooking program aimed at fostering STEAM-based health education for children.
• Naturopathic Medicine Collaborative: INM founded and hosts this network, comprising over 80 organizations working together to advance the naturopathic profession.
• Healthcare Workforce Development: Focuses on integrating naturopathic doctors into primary care settings, particularly in underserved communities.
• Natural Medicine Research: INM supports quality outcomes research in natural medicine to shape its future.
• Residency Consortium: Provides continued education and hands-on training for new naturopathic doctors.

Standards and Integrity

INM maintains rigorous editorial standards, ensuring that all health information is accurate, safe, and free from commercial influence. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in its educational offerings, respecting diverse traditions and experiences.

Financials and Governance

INM is supported by foundation grants and individual donations, with at least 85 cents of each dollar going directly to project funding. The organization's board conducts regular assessments to ensure transparency and ethical governance practices.

History

Since its inception in the early 1990s, INM has dedicated itself to empowering healthier lives through unbiased resources on health promotion and disease prevention. Its efforts over three decades have contributed significantly to raising awareness and accessibility of natural healthcare options.