St. Michael’s Medical Clinic in Anniston, Alabama, expands services thanks to $25,000 grant from Alabama Power Foundation

In a significant move to improve healthcare accessibility in Anniston, Alabama, the Dr. David Satcher & St. Michael's Medical Clinic and Community Learning Center has announced a major expansion of its services. This expansion is made possible by a generous $25,000 grant from the Alabama Power Foundation.

A New Era in Healthcare for Anniston

Located in the heart of Anniston, the Dr. David Satcher & St. Michael's Medical Clinic and Community Learning Center has been a beacon of hope for low-income and uninsured residents of Calhoun County. The clinic, formerly known as St. Michael's Medical Clinic, has a rich history dating back to 1987 when it first began operating under the name St. Michael’s Community Services, Inc. Founded by Dr. Neal Canup, the clinic initially provided limited medical services to those without access, connecting patients to needed resources and offering social services like patient education.

Expansion Plans

The clinic has outgrown its previous space at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, necessitating a move to a newly renovated facility at the former Glen Addie Community Center. This location was originally built in 1947 and later used as the Boys and Girls Club. After renovations completed in November 2023, the clinic is now fully operational at its new site.

Mental Health Services to Be Introduced

One of the most exciting aspects of the expansion is the introduction of mental health services. Beginning in 2025, the clinic will operate on a fifth day each week dedicated solely to mental health care. This addition aims to address a critical need in the community, providing residents with access to comprehensive healthcare that includes both physical and mental well-being.

Community Learning Center

In addition to medical services, the clinic also houses a community learning center. Staffed by the City of Anniston, this center offers computers for public education and training. The clinic collaborates with the community center to provide health education training, aiming to improve the lives of patients and the broader community. Future plans include offering exercise classes, financial literacy courses, support groups, lifestyle improvement programs, and alternative therapies.

The Legacy of Dr. David Satcher

The clinic’s new name honors the legacy of Dr. David Satcher, a native of Anniston who was born in 1942. Dr. Satcher’s life story is one of resilience and dedication to public health. Gravely ill with whooping cough at just two years old, he was not expected to survive. However, thanks to the care of an African American physician named Dr. Jackson, he did live. This experience deeply influenced Dr. Satcher's decision to pursue a medical career.

Dr. Satcher went on to achieve remarkable success in his field. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta before receiving his MD and PhD in cell biology from Case Western Reserve University in 1970. His extensive training included residencies and fellowships at Strong Memorial Hospital, the University of Rochester, UCLA School of Medicine, and Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital. Most notably, he served as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as the Surgeon General of the United States under President Clinton.

The Impact of the Alabama Power Foundation Grant

The recent grant from the Alabama Power Foundation is a significant milestone in the clinic’s expansion efforts. The $25,000 funding will be used to support various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and scope of services provided by the clinic. This support comes at a critical time as the clinic continues to grow and meet the evolving needs of its diverse patient population.

Conclusion

The Dr. David Satcher & St. Michael's Medical Clinic and Community Learning Center stands as a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare initiatives. With its commitment to providing comprehensive care to low-income and uninsured residents of Calhoun County, the clinic embodies the spirit of Dr. Satcher’s legacy. The introduction of mental health services and the ongoing collaboration between the clinic and community learning center underscore its dedication to holistic healthcare solutions. As Anniston continues to grow and thrive, organizations like the Alabama Power Foundation play a vital role in supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

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References

1. Dr. David Satcher & St. Michael’s Medical Clinic and Community Learning Center
2. Satcher/St. Michael’s Clinic Opens with Praise and Hope
3. St. Michael’s Medical Clinic Expands Services Thanks to $25,000 Grant
4. Our History – St. Michael’s Clinic