History of the Clinic Reverend James N. Holmes of St. John Presbyterian Church had an unfulfilled dream of providing health care to those in our community who did not have the means to pay for such services and did not qualify under welfare programs. In March 1972, the clinic began in a Sunday School classroom on a one night per week basis. There was one physician, one nurse and a few lay people. All were volunteers with one purpose in mind: to render service to the less fortunate. Within a few weeks, the clinic was swamped with people in need of care. More professionals and lay volunteers were recruited to keep up with the demand, while Jim begged and borrowed to obtain the equipment needed. As the clinic grew, other churches, synagogues, and civic organizations joined in support of the Judeo Christian Health Clinic and contributed generously with staff and financial support. In 1973, a new building was constructed to house the clinic. In 1975, a modular unit housing a complete doctor's office was donated and doubled clinic's space. Through a successful testimonial dinner in 1977, aided by a most generous and anonymous donor, the clinic was able to construct a much needed waiting room. In late 1981, yet another building was erected through a grant by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. Matching funds amounting to $40,000 were donated by companies, clubs, churches, and individuals, enabling the clinic to open a new eye clinic in early 1982. On April 11, 1989, President George Bush presented the Judeo Christian Health Clinic with the 1989 President's Volunteer Action Award in recognition of its efforts to deliver free health care to the medically indigent. In 1999, the Clinic raised one million dollars within the community to build a new 8000 square foot facility with twelve examining rooms, a laboratory, a licensed pharmacy, three complete dental operatories, and an optician's dispensing lab. Today the Clinic operates seven medical clinics, two dental clinics, and one eye clinic weekly. In addition, Asthma and Allergy, Dermatology, Gynecology and Podiatry are offered, and a Pediatric clinic offers specialized care to children up to 16 years of age. An affiliation agreement with the University of South Florida College of Medicine enables the clinic to provide in depth family practice clinics. Hundreds of physicians, dentists, optometrists, opticians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, dental assistants, and other compassionate persons donate their time to staff the various clinics. In addition to primary medical care, patients who cannot be treated at the clinic are referred to cooperating doctors who see patients for no fee in their private practices. Cooperation with area hospitals and labs make it possible for clinic patients to receive the finest lab and x-ray tests available. A truly ecumenical Board of Directors representing Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant faiths direct clinic policy. An Executive Director coordinates the operation of the clinic. So many people help to make the Judeo Christian Health Clinic a viable source of health care in this community. It has become a shining example of unselfish, dedicated commitment to God and man.
|4118 N. MacDill Avenue · Tampa, FL 33607|Phone: (813) 870-0395 · Fax: (813) 879-3149|