“This is a mission of healing and evangelization. Jesus often brought these two aspects of His mission into one, healing someone even as He shared the Good News.”
-Archbishop Robert Carlson, Archdiocese of St. Louis
It all started when Archbishop Carlson met with Natalie Villmer of the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King. He asked her what the people she served needed most. “Healthcare,” she responded.
Archbishop Carlson asked Catholic Charities and one of its federated agencies, Queen of Peace Center, to collaborate with other organizations in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Rural Parish Workers to explore the possibility of bringing free physician directed healthcare and social services to those living without any health insurance in the rural areas of the archdiocese.
From that vision, plans for the Rural Parish Clinic (RPC) emerged. On May 6, 2019, the mobile clinic quietly began providing services at St. Joachim Parish (Old Mines) in Cadet, MO.
From that vision, plans for the Rural Parish Clinic (RPC) emerged. On May 6, 2019, the mobile clinic quietly began providing services at St. Joachim Parish (Old Mines) in Cadet, MO. You can see a short video about the work of the RPC here.
A small clinic staff is supported by volunteer doctors, nurses, drivers, and technicians. Medical services provided by the Rural Parish Clinic include regular physicals, primary care of minor injuries, cold, flu and other infections, chronic disease management, and other routine care. Additionally, the clinic plans to collaborate with local agencies to address social service needs such as transportation, education, employment, behavioral health, food insecurity, and substance use disorders.
In the brief time it has been operating, this clinic has already made a big difference in the lives of those who have turned to it for help. One gentleman in his 50’s living in poverty was brought to the RPC by his daughter with extremely high blood pressure. Refusing to visit the emergency room, which would have been expensive, he was willing to come to the clinic to receive free treatment and follow-up visits. Another woman had a thyroid condition, but could not afford doctor’s visits, labs, or medication. Now she has more energy and is seeing real changes in her life. Who know how many lives will be changed?
Your gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal help to make all of this possible. If you have already made a gift to the 2019 Appeal, thank you for your support! If not, please consider making a donation to the ACA at your parish or online here. Your gift will help places like the Rural Parish Clinic to thrive. Thank you in advance for your prayers and for your generous response to the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal.