I have been negligent in reporting some good news, folks. Catherine's Care Center, the non-profit clinic open to all that operates behind the blue doors of St. Alphonsus church on Leonard Street, has turned the corner since its lead sponsor, St. Mary's Hospital, pulled its support from the clinic in a surprise announcement last May.
The move earned St. Mary's nothing but a black eye in public relations, because its true reason for no longer backing the valuable mission of Catherine's Care was nothing more than crass, petty corporate politics that have ruined the once-robust community nature of the hospital since it fell within the grasp of the medical services conglomerate Advantage Health. St. Mary's/Advantage Health now, as exemplified by the Catherine's Care episode, has frequently exhibited a Spectrum-like animus of opposing that which it cannot control.
Meanwhile, the gung-ho staff and directors of Catherine's Care have kept the doors of the clinic open. Contrary, the persistant rumors put out by St. Mary's/Advantage Heatlh, the clinic will remain in business. Two weeks ago, the clinic's head nurse quit St. Mary's to join Catherine's Care permanently. The indefatigable Helen Lehman, a director of the clinic, continues to meet with new sponsors. St. Mary's former partners, the Creston Neighborhood Association and St. Alphonsus parish, have renewed their commitments to Catherine's Care. Indeed, the clinic probably could not have found a better champion than St. Al's new pastor, Fr. Quinn.
Of course, the good work of Catherine's Care can always use your help, too. If you'd like to contribute, click here for information.
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