AMWA Hospital Service - Supported Clinics - Marian Clinic

Marian Clinic

Marian Clinic, in Topeka, Kansas, is one of the many clinics helped by a grant from AWHS. Founded in 1988 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the clinic was created to assist disadvantaged and uninsured families in the region. It has become a community endeavor, and is currently supported by a variety of faith groups, business organizations and individuals. 

The clinic expects to provide more than 14,500 patient visits in 2005-2006. The dental clinic alone provides one-third of all visits from uninsured patients to dental clinics in Kansas.

Marian Clinic

While regular appointments are encouraged, walk-ins help to reduce the use of emergency room services.  As a result, the clinic receives considerable support from the local hospital.

The clinic relies heavily on volunteer professionals, with over 230 individuals giving their time and energy freely. Spanish speakers comprise about 20% of the clinic's clientele.  Interpreters and bi-lingual volunteers are important to the clinic's success and help to devise educational tools that cross cultural barriers.  Donna, one of the interpreters, described the good feelings surrounding the clinic: People are drawn to a place by the energy, here, there is an energy of generosity and goodwill. You can feel it.