Mercy Health Clinic volunteer doctors, nurses and staff. Photo Contributed
Fourteen years ago, Mercy Health Clinic was established in Gaithersburg with the mission to provide “quality health care from the heart for those in need.”
The free health care clinic was the dream of Potomac residents who served on the Social Concerns Committee of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Over the course of two years, with the philosophy that “we never thought that we couldn’t succeed,” they turned their dream into a reality — helping more than 30,000 Montgomery County residents who otherwise might not have received medical attention.
Mercy Health Clinic serves adults without health insurance. Each year, more than 2,000 low-income people are able to see a doctor, pick up a prescription, schedule a required screening or attend a health education class free of charge. Some of the clinic’s partners include Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Quest Laboratories, Roberts Oxygen, Roberts Home Medical, Community Radiology, PNI Open MRI, Washington Radiology, Georgetown University Radiology, Shady Grove Radiology, Progressive Imaging, Seneca Physical Therapy, Catholic Charities Health Care Network and Project Access.
“Mercy Health Clinic asks for no payment in return for the medical services it delivers,” John Kleiderer, executive director of the Mercy Health Clinic said. “Yet many transactions take place every day we’re open. Our patients bring their illnesses and anxieties, and they exchange them for specialized care and renewed hope. They bring their pain and sometimes their tears. They leave with comfort and a caring smile. In each and every case, the people we treat leave behind more than they take. Their overwhelming gratitude is palpable and it keeps our volunteers energized and uplifted.”
Mercy Health Clinic has many Potomac connections since its creation. Alvina Long, one of the founders of the clinic, had served on the Social Concerns Committee for many years. She explained how and why the committee chose to launch the clinic: “In 1998, our church was adding an $8 million edifice onto the church. The Social Concerns Committee discussed that we should be doing something for others to the same degree. After thorough research on how our monies could best serve the public in Montgomery County, we discovered there was a real need for free health care and held a meeting asking Potomac/Bethesda residents and church members to come help us start the clinic. We set out 75 chairs – and 125 people showed up – doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and many other healthcare professionals – as well as interested volunteers who wanted to help with this important mission. People made donations of both time and money, we filed the paperwork to be incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit and Montgomery County donated three examining rooms and three offices in their Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.
“The first day we saw four patients – and miraculously, we were able to set up medical care to save the second patient’s life. She had a lump in her neck that turned out to be malignant. The screening was donated, a surgeon and anesthesiologist volunteered their services for the operation, and Sibley Hospital donated the operating room and the patient’s room. That’s when I knew we could make a huge difference in peoples’ lives.” The clinic remained in Germantown for six years – and then Health and Human Services expanded and found them more space at 7 Metropolitan Court in Gaithersburg, where they are still located.
Another founder was Dr. James Ronan who is also from Potomac. Last week, members of the staff of the clinic celebrated his 83rd birthday. He has volunteered countless hours to patients and to the clinic and still comes in several days a week to volunteer his expertise.
Long was the first volunteer executive director; she served for 12 years in this position, working to make certain the clinic was established and ran smoothly. She also served as chairman of the board from 2009 - 2013.
“Alvina has been the heart and soul of the Clinic since its inception,” Development Coordinator Julie Donatelli said. “She has been its greatest supporter with her time and talents. I just received a note with a donation from a large Potomac family who wrote ‘It is hard to say no to such a wonderful devoted MHC advocate for so many years. We are happy to contribute and support your great cause.’ I was touched by the note. I am also a lifetime resident of Potomac.”
“Donna Romer ran the medical part of setting up the clinic,” Long said. “Dr. James Ronan, Colleen Wallace, Dr. Richard Perry, Donna Tydings, Sharon Covington, Lynn Frank, Chuck Short – all these people and many more were involved in helping us get off the ground. Now we have over 70 Board Certified volunteer physicians and a dedicated staff of 100 nurse and clerical volunteers.”
The clinic relies on charitable support from the community as well as partnerships with Montgomery County, strategic partners and medical providers within the community who donate their time, resources and services. Mercy Health Clinic also holds two fundraisers each year – a gala in the spring and an annual golf tournament in the fall.
The 11th Annual Golf Tournament will be held this year on Monday, Sept. 22 at Manor Country Club in Rockville to benefit the Carl Nordberg Pharmacy Program and the Mercy Health Clinic.
“We rely on local support to keep the doors of the clinic open for over 2,000 low income adult Montgomery residents each year. Many of the players/supporters/donors/volunteers are from the Potomac area – and we hope more will come out to support the clinic and to have a wonderful day of golf. We also need volunteers (particularly bilingual) as well as donations,” Donatelli said.
To sign up for the golf tournament or to find out more about volunteering or donating to the Mercy Health clinic, go to www.mercyhealthclinic.org.