Imagine having to choose between paying rent or taking your sick child to the doctor. As medical and insurance costs rise, this tough choice, and many others, are daily worries for individuals throughout Alabama.
In many communities, there are also those who work full time and find it difficult to seek medical attention during a doctor’s regular office hours. Elderly residents often have trouble securing reliable transportation to and from their appointments with medical specialists.
The Birmingham communities of Woodlawn and South Avondale struggle constantly with problems like these, as do countless other neighborhoods. But with the help of a local ministry, some residents have found an innovative solution.
Recently these two communities celebrated the opening of the M-Power Health Clinic at 4022 Fourth Ave. South, in the facilities of the former South Avondale Baptist Church. A Sept. 10 dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony prefaced refreshments and tours of the clinic.
Ricky Creech, director of missions of Birmingham Baptist Association, said the ministry is the first of its kind in Alabama and in the Southern Baptist Convention. The M-Power Health Clinic is spearheaded by members of M-Power ministry, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help residents of Woodlawn and South Avondale by empowering them with knowledge and resources. The group is strictly Christian in its principles and welcomes volunteers from any area church.
Support for the ministry has come from Birmingham Association and area Baptist churches, including Dawson Memorial, Eastside, Huffman, McElwain, Mountain Brook, Brookwood, Crestway and the former South Avondale. Dawson provides the salary for M-Power executive director Sammy Campbell, who also receives funding from the North American Mission Board.
Paramount Services Inc. and individuals have also provided support. Others contributing funds or labor include St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Rives Construction Co., Alabama Power Company and Doster Construction Co.
The clinic, with help from volunteers from M-Power and throughout the area, will function in several ways. Almost all clinic employees — which will include nurses, physicians, and some specialists — will volunteer their time and services at no charge to the clinic or its patients. A salaried social worker will also be on hand.
Each patient, upon their arrival at the clinic, will spend time with a social worker to determine needs beyond medical. These interviews will guide the clinic staff in implementing other services, such as child development classes for new parents or job training seminars for those seeking new employment.
Woodlawn and South Avondale residents view the clinic’s opening with excitement and optimism. Barbara Anchrum, president of the Woodlawn Family Community Organization, sees the clinic meeting many needs.
“Women who work full time won’t have to take time off work when their children are sick,” said Anchrum. “They will be able to bring them to the pediatrician here because of the clinic’s evening hours.”
While residents of Woodlawn and South Avondale plan to spread the word about the clinic, the clinic volunteers also look forward with anticipation to serving patients.
“We’re here to glorify our God,” said Dan Beaty, president of the M-Power board of directors, at the clinic dedication. “We want Him to bless the families who will be served here and the doctors and nurses who will volunteer their time here.”
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