McAuley clinic celebrates 25 years
Twenty-five years after Franciscan Health Catherine McAuley Clinic first opened its doors, staff members and volunteers swapped recollections and enjoyed a slice of cake March 11.
The understated celebration was in character for the volunteer-based medical clinic that has quietly gone about providing primary care to the medically underserved and uninsured. The Franciscan Health Foundation has launched an anniversary fundraiser to continue the clinic’s work.
“Our mission from the beginning until now has been to serve the people that don’t have access to healthcare,” said McAuley Clinic Board President Helen Thoesen, who trained the volunteers and worked the front desk when the clinic first opened.
Thoesen credited nurse Ppactitioner Martha Kozub, who also has been with the clinic since the beginning, wearing many hats, including clinic manager. Kozub is fluent in Spanish, assisting with care for the Hispanic community. “Martha, she’s really the reason the clinic is such a wonderful place,” she said.
Nurse practitioner Kozub recalled that the clinic didn’t have computers at the beginning, relying on paper charts and files. “We’ve seen lots of changes, ups and downs,” she said. “We’ve been fortunate that we’ve had our volunteers.”
While nurse practitioners and medical assistants provide much of the day-today care at the clinic, volunteer physicians also come to see patients.
Retired Dr. Art Branco assisted the Franciscans in setting up the clinic and continues to serve on the board and assist with fundraisers. He credits the clinic’s success to the volunteer medical staff and professional nursing staff he calls his heroes.
“In a time of stress, they continue to do their job. I think it’s one of the resources that, over 25 years, has served the community well,” Dr. Branco said.
The continued safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Franciscan Health Foundation from having the annual “Rolling for a Reason” bowling fundraiser for the McAuley Clinic. But the needs of patients don’t stop, so contributions are being requested to commemorate the clinic’s 25th anniversary.
Contributions to the McAuley Clinic can be made by going online at FranciscanHealthFoundation.org/ programs/catherine-mcauley-clinic or calling 219-6613401. One hundred percent of donations will make a direct impact on the vulnerable patient population that depends on the McAuley Clinic for their medical needs.
Franciscan Health Catherine McAuley Clinic is
at 5530 Hohman Ave., Hammond and is open Monday through Friday.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 219-933-2018.