By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
The Hensville area of the Warehouse District has a new health clinic, a new pharmacy and “an old fashioned ice cream parlor,” said Bishop Talmadge Thomas, chairman of the board of directors of the Neighborhood Health Association, as he opened up the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 22, for Doc Martin’s Remedy Shoppe and Apothecary at 12 N. St. Clair.
“It’s a statement of what equitable medical care looks like,” Thomas continued describing the newly remodeled building that reflects “years of collaboration, vision and commitment to serving the Toledo neighborhood.”
The new NHA building will not only house a walk-in medical clinic, a full-service pharmacy and an ice cream parlor with sandwiches and coffee, but also corporate offices in a three-story building that was renovated with the assistance of federal funds and Vibrancy Initiative monies from the City of Toledo.
“The dollars were hard fought and hard won,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur about the difficulty in obtaining federal funds for neighborhood assistance given the current political climate.
However, now that Doc Martin’s is open, the benefits to the neighborhood will be substantial, noted the speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “If they can’t afford health care, they can come here,” said Kaptur. “This reflects the best of who we are in Toledo.”
The City of Toledo’s Vibrancy Initiative was established six years ago, said Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, “to help lift up neighborhoods.” Doc Martin’s “helps us achieve our policy goal to bring amenities into the downtown area that it has lacked for so long.” Next, he added, is a grocery store. “Targeted public resources can make a difference.”
The driving force behind the creation of Doc Martin’s, the 14th NHA facility in the Toledo area, is CEO Doni Miller who has led the health care agency for the majority of its 56 year existence. Miller did not speak at the ribbon cutting, but those who did speak were quick to give her their acknowledgements.
Kaptur in fact brought a bouquet of roses to honor Miller and Toledo City Council President Vanice Williams, who also represents the 4th District – the location of the Warehouse District – praised Miller for her many years of service, years during which Williams has looked up to Miller and NHA as an example of how change happens.
“The Neighborhood Health Association has been doing the work to provide important needs,” said Williams.
Coleena Ali, deputy director, Department of Housing & Community Development, also spoke about the impact of the Doc Martin’s project on neighborhood development. “This is a commitment to a healthier, stronger and more connected neighborhood,” said Ali. “Healthcare and community development are intertwined.”
The pharmacy is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. The medical clinics are open Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays.
The mission of NHA is to provide exceptional health care services and empower and educate while aggressively working to eliminate health care inequities and supporting personal responsibility for one’s own health regardless of the ability to pay.