I received the following press release from Carrie Bittman of Mercy Health Clinic, which is over near the MVA at 7-1 Metropolitan Court.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2007
Contact: Carrie Bittman (202) 352-8343 carriebittman@aol.com
GAITHERSBURG HEALTH CARE CLINIC UNVEILS NEW FACILITY- Rededication Ceremony
on Thursday, September 20 at 10 a.m. -
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The Mercy Health Clinic, a non-profit free health care clinic, will officially open its new expanded facility at a Rededication Ceremony on Thursday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. All members of the community are invited to attend. The Mercy Health Clinic is available to uninsured, low-income adults who reside in Montgomery County.
The new Clinic boasts 5,500 square feet and features nine exam rooms, a larger pharmacy and nurses’ station, as well as an expanded records room and physician offices. The Clinic occupies a new building, conveniently located adjacent to the MVA, and includes state-of-the art equipment for its patients.
"We are thrilled to be in this new facility," said James Ronan, M.D., Medical Director of the Clinic. "Clearly the demand for free health-care services has increased. We are proud to offer quality care and provide a continuum of care to those in need in our community."
A new feature is a unique telephone system in the exam rooms that allows physicians and patients to converse through an interpreter in over 200 languages. The Clinic also offers educational programs in areas including diabetes, lifestyle and nutrition.
"I’ve been coming to the Clinic since March of 2004, it’s given me the opportunity to heal and recover," said Stephen Day, a patient at the Clinic. "They have given me medicine, family services and referral to specialists. I am most grateful and thankful the Clinic is there."
Mercy Health Clinic services are available for uninsured adult residents who meet low-income guidelines and are not eligible for government assisted health care. To qualify, enrollees must demonstrate they do not have personal assets, financial reserves or sufficient family resources to support medical are.
Since its opening in October of 2000, the Mercy Health Clinic has treated nearly 4,000 patients and conducted more than 25,000 patient visits. The Clinic is primarily volunteer-run, and is operated by over 125 licensed, volunteer medical professionals and staff. The Clinic and staff have received numerous awards for its volunteer service to the community. Please call the clinic at (240) 773-0300 for more information.
