Deliverance Adventist Health Clinic Serves Residents in Philadelphia

Story by LaTasha Hewitt / Photo by Bryce Williams

The Allegheny East Conference (AEC) recently hosted its first Deliverance Adventist Health Clinic in Philadelphia, bringing free health services and community resources to the city. Held at the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center, the two-day community health initiative provided individuals and families much-needed services at no cost.

The clinic was a vision of AEC President Trevor Kinlock, after observing a previous initiative in Baltimore last year. The Delaware Valley Area Ministerium leaders and the conference’s Health Ministries Department formed a team to help bring the clinic to fruition. Faith Community Nurses Betsy Johnson and Kathleen Coleman, both members of the conference’s Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., served as coordinators for the clinic. 

Collaborating with community partners, such as Love Heals, Hands International, and Better Vision, Better Hope, and Spin-n-Go, the clinic offered a variety of services, including dental and vision care, medical and preventive health services, and additional resources designed to meet practical needs within the community. No insurance or appointment was required, helping make the event accessible to those who may otherwise face barriers to receiving care.

From the early morning hours, volunteers from local churches and beyond welcomed community members and helped guide them through the various services available.

 “There was no greater joy than seeing and interacting with those who were blessed by the free clinic—meeting their medical needs, as well as providing the homeless community an opportunity to launder their clothing while awaiting medical treatment,” says, Marleena Debrough, Delaware Valley Area Ministerium coordinator. “The only disappointment was that we were not able to help more.”

The people who were served represented more than a number; for organizers and volunteers, the clinic was an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-centered compassion through practical service, say leaders. Attendees received care while also connecting with people who were committed to serving their community.

“I am deeply fulfilled. Together, our dental team cared for more than 120 patients, but what touched me most was the genuine compassion, kindness and enthusiasm of every volunteer. Everyone came with one purpose: to serve and provide the very best care to every patient who walked through our doors,” says Joan Malcom, DMD, the clinic’s dental director.

Through the combined efforts of Deliverance Adventist Health Clinic and its community partners, volunteers were able to provide a broader range of services and resources than any one organization could have provided alone. “And perhaps the greatest testament to the experience was the question I kept hearing from our dental volunteers: ‘When is the next one?’ That spirit of service says it all,” shares Malcom.