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Midlothian Free Health Clinic is open at First Presbyterian Church
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
There’s a saying that goes, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” The saga of Midlothian Free Health Clinic provides an example.
When Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 388 E. Midlothian Blvd., closed late last year, the clinic lost the home where it began as a community outreach project in March 2008. Organizers were Pastor Robert Johnson, formerly of Bethlehem, and Carol Beard of Christ Lutheran Church in Struthers, a registered nurse who remains a volunteer.
The clinic is open at its new site in First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave., where the Rev. Carolyn Griffeth, interim pastor, said the “clinic fits with our mission and ministry. “We believe it was God’s work that brought us together,” she said.
Maureen Cronin, executive director, and Jim Benedict, board president, said the downtown location is a good fit. The lower level of the expansive church has been remodeled to suit the clinic’s needs and the church assumed the cost. “The church gave us the freedom to design the space,” Benedict said.
The church is on the WRTA bus route and has ample parking. “Clients are making the transition to the new site,” Benedict said. “It’s centrally located.”
Benedict and Cronin acknowledged it was a challenge to find an appropriate site. First Presbyterian provides plenty of space and is air-conditioned. “The flow is improved,” Beard said.
Another bonus is a partnership with Youngstown State University’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services. Joseph Mosca, dean, said, “This will be a good learning experience for students. It will start this fall,” he said, noting students in health and social services will be involved. A coordinator will place interns at the clinic.
Students in their last two semesters will be eligible for clinic work. “It’s a capstone,” Mosca said. “The experience will integrate all their knowledge and provide an applied experience.”
Mosca said “as many students as possible” will be involved. He added that students who are nurse practitioners studying for master’s degrees and students in social work, physical and respiratory therapy may participate.
Mosca said service at the clinic will “open the door” to other opportunities for students by providing experience with patients. He added its location is a bonus because of its proximity to YSU. “It’s an important connection to the community,” he said of YSU’s involvement.
Chet Cooper, clerk of session at the church, and Jim Mineo, serving on session, said hosting the clinic follows the church tradition of reaching out into the community. Cooper said First Presbyterian has a saying, “in the heart of the city with a heart for the city.”
“Something special made this happen,” Cooper said.
Mineo, who oversees the building and grounds of the church, said the space had been used as a day-care center. Remodeling was completed by the church maintenance staff and volunteers from the clinic. The space was partitioned into five exam rooms with one doubling as a laboratory. Plumbing and power renovations included adding sinks and electrical outlets to exam rooms. There is a waiting area with seating, triage space and check-in and discharge area.
The clinic is affiliated with Diabetes Partnership of the Mahoning Valley to provide diabetes education materials. The clinic also partners with The Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry, and the new space provides privacy.
“The congregation has truly embraced the project,” the Rev. Mrs. Griffeth said.
Cronin said on clinic nights, 20 to 30 patients are seen by appointment only. There’s a near even split between male and female patients and black and white. “We are beginning to get Middle Eastern and Latino patients.”
Cronin said many of the patients do have jobs but don’t make much money. “When they come to the clinic, they stay out of the emergency room,” she said. “The clinic addresses a need in the community.”
Cronin said the clinic provides “hands-on” education to patients to improve their health and choices.
Beard said she and other volunteers “get a sense of satisfaction from helping people.”