Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic Open Houses
The new clinic's nurse practitioner, Doris Bleah, is a former Air Force nurse with a passion for the underserved. 'I grew up in a country where healthcare delivery is based on a cash and carry and those who cannot afford care are ignored,' she said. 'My career goal is work to bridge health disparities across race and ethnicity, diseases, and practice settings, and my mission is to provide evidenced-based and quality care for the underserved and underprivileged.'
The Milligan family celebrates in an exam room donated to the clinic honoring Katherine Boling Milligan, a founder and long-time board member of the Christian Nursing Service who chaired the Meals on Wheels service for many years. Bill Doemel commented that current board member 'Suanne Milligan did a remarkable job with all the fundraising' for the new clinic.'
Bobbye Thompson chats with Clinic Board Member Rebecca Lang outside of the exam room honoring Bobbye's husband, Claude Thompson. A sign in the room reads: 'Dr. Claude N. Thompson was the true 'small town doctor.' During his 34 year practice in Montgomery County, he treated all who would come, even if they could not afford it at the time. He continued to make house calls well into the 1980’s when most thought it a thing of the past. His generous heart for his patients and community lives on today in the spirit of this clinic.'
The O'Dell Family in the room named after Ann. A sign in the room reads: 'Ann spent her life taking care of people — first her family, then those who worked at Donnelley’s, then hundreds of students in the clinics at Southmont. She volunteered at the Christian Nursing Service… She didn’t want recognition; she just wanted to help and to see lives changed.'