25th Anniversary
Duchesne Clinic's 25th Anniversary!
Local Safety Net Clinic Celebrates 25 years providing quality, compassionate care to Wyandotte County community
For 25 years, Duchesne Clinic, located in Kansas City, Kan., has provided quality and compassionate healthcare to those who are uninsured and experiencing chronic illness, pain or sickness. The doors to the clinic opened formally in 1988, but the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth began their outreach initially through a mobile clinic serving Wyandotte County’s homeless and shelter residents. Today, the safety-net clinic, supported through donations and grants, provides healthcare to more than 2,000 patients a year—and the need continues to grow.
To celebrate this milestone, the clinic hosted a Founders Mass and Celebration at St. Mary-St. Anthony Church on Nov. 18, the Feast Day of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, for whom the clinic is named. Archbishop Joseph F. Nauman, D.D., along with Sisters of Charity, Board members, staff, Order of Malta, Ladies of Charity and others attended the celebration.
“The tradition that began 25 years ago is still going strong,” says Judy Scott, Board Chairwoman of Caritas Clinics (Duchesne and Saint Vincent’s Clinics). “It was heartwarming to see so many good friends of the clinic attend our celebration. We’ve been able to meet the needs because of the tremendous support and dedication of so many through their financial gifts and time to bring health and hope to the patients of Duchesne.”
In addition, the Clinic recognized those who, through their public service, also serve as champions of the clinic. They included Chief Ellen Hansen and the men and women of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and Kansas Senator Steve Fitzgerald.
“The Sisters’ vision, that healthcare is a basic human right, still informs and drives the work of Duchesne Clinic today,” adds Sister Maureen Hall, SCL, Community director.
In addition, three groups who continue to champion, dedicate and support the mission of Duchesne received appreciation plaques. They included the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansa City and the Order of Malta.
“Stephen Ziller was one of the first people who heard the call from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, and who took that call to heart,” Sr. Maureen explains. “Mr. Ziller, along with John Massman, John McMeel, Richard Miller and Robert Reintjes, rallied the Knights of Malta to make the vision of Duchesne Clinic a reality. It was wonderful to have his son, Stephen Ziller, Jr., with us as we celebrated 25 years of service to the community.”
Amy Falk, Executive director, notes, “The clinic has an outstanding reputation and is a valued community partner. We strive to keep pace with advances in health care service delivery and are seeking recognition as a patient-centered medical home status with focus on the whole person and coordinated care. We are looking forward to the next 25 years of serving the Wyandotte community.”
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January
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Rotary Supply Drive
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March
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Queen of the Holy Rosary Supply Drive
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March 15
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Friends of Duchesne Clinic St. Patrick's Day Dinner
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March 16
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Cathedral of St. Peter's St. Joseph Table
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April
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UG WyCo/KCK Duchesne Clinic Health & Hope Month
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June
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St. Mary/St. Anthony Supply Drive
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September
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Nativity Parish Fall Festival
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October
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St. Joseph Parish Supply Drive and Shrimp Night
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November
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Church of the Resurrection Supply Drive
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November 18
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Feast of Saint Duchesne Founders' Mass and Reception
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December
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Prince of Peace Advent Drive
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If your group would like to host your own event please contact Karole.