The center on 22nd Street S, set to open in December, will serve low-income and uninsured clients.
By JON WILSON
Published August 24, 2003
ST. PETERSBURG - A $100,000 grant has added more muscle to a new health center being built on 22nd Street S.
The Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of BlueCross BlueShield, gave the money last week to the Bayfront Health Foundation, which will administer radiology, ultrasound and health education services at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center.
Scheduled to open in December, the center will provide free or low-cost care to low-income and uninsured clients. It also will offer a pharmacy, dental care, gynecologists, internists, pediatricians, pediatric care and behavioral health counseling.
"This money is really going to support Bayfront's role," said Sue Brody, Bayfront Medical Center's chief executive.
Other health center partners include the University of Florida, Florida A&M, St. Petersburg College, Pinellas Technical Education Center and St. Petersburg city government.
The 26,000-square-foot health center at 1344 22nd St. S is expected to employ up to 125 people serving 200-300 clients daily. It is seen as an important element in 22nd Street's revival.
At a gathering to announce the grant, Mayor Rick Baker called 22nd Street "the core of the Midtown area" and cited the health center's importance.
"To have someone like BlueCross step forward and say we see that, we get that, we want to be a part of that, it's so important," Baker said.
The center's walls and roof are up and work continues on refurbishing the original Mercy Hospital building, which is on the site and will be retained as part of the center.
The segregation-era hospital served African-Americans from 1923 until it closed in 1966.
The old building will house a demonstration kitchen for clients learning special diets, a playroom for youngsters and several offices, including one for the Sickle Cell Foundation.
