November 29
It's the second day of Advent and we are introducing one of the ministries, St. Mary's Health Clinics.
The Ministries Foundation supports a number of ministries started by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, including St. Mary's Health Clinics. It's history is included below but first a message from Susan Gehlsen, Executive Director.
History
St. Mary’s Health Clinics (SMHC) grew out of the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1992. The Sisters of St. Joseph recognized a growing need for better healthcare access in underserved and marginalized communities. The initial clinic was at the Women and Children’s Center on Stevens Avenue in Minneapolis, a place where low-income and single mothers could go to learn job and family living skills. By 1995, there were 11 St. Mary’s Health Clinics throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
The Clinics have continued to provide consistent care for people all over the Twin Cities. Even after the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2014, the work of SMHC grew to meet the needs of those who still could not access affordable health insurance.
Throughout the COVID pandemic St. Mary’s has stepped up not only to provide healthcare to low-income/uninsured people, but they have used additional funds to help families with utilities, rent, and groceries. They continue to follow the commitment of the Sisters of St. Joseph to “move always towards to love of God and love of neighbor without distinction.”