Clinic open at Mission
Thanks to a 2-year grant from the Johnson and Johnson Company, in partnership with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, the Navajo Lutheran Mission Clinic opened its doors to the Rock Point community September 11, 2009.
The Mission began its work in Rock Point in 1954, with the building of a small clinic and nurses’ residence. The building was used to attend to patients, house nurses, and even set-up for church services on Sundays. As the Mission grew, the small clinic expanded into a 2 bed hospital, and for over 40 years served the medical needs of the community. Thanks to a devoted Nurse, Elsie Benson, who worked at the clinic for over 25 of those years, many people were given needed medical treatment. The building was named Benson Hall after the nurse who did so much for the community. The clinic closed about 10 years ago due to lack of funding, and part of the building is now the Mission Thrift Shop.
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With the help of Johnson and Johnson, the clinic opened in September of 2009. Because Rock Point is close to 50 miles from the nearest health services, the Mission provides basic health care to residents who find it difficult to travel the distance to see a doctor. It serves as a Health Care and Health Education Center, and patients are seen by qualified nurses. Volunteer doctors will also be available on a scheduled basis.
On Sept. 10, 2009, Nurse Practitioner Elaine Henson arrived at the Mission to assist nurse aide Marina with clinic duties. They begin seeing patients from the community and have continued throughout the remainder of the year. Elaine is generously volunteering to come to the mission periodically and has recruited many other Nurse Practitioners to assist in seeing patients at the Mission Clinic. A request went out through the Synod for additional nurses and/or doctors to volunteer at the clinic. A "volunteer core" of health care professionals for our clinic from Northern Arizona University has been assembled and have expanded of our services to the Navajo community. |
The nurses work with the community in planning health fairs and workshops, distributing health education materials and working with community representatives in determining health needs of the population.
Please support us with your prayers, time, and donations as we work to create a successful and blessed service for the Navajo of the Rock Point area! If you are interested in volunteering time to the Clinic on a regular basis, please contact the Executive Director. |
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