The Allentown Rescue Mission announced today the reopening of the DeSales Free Medical Clinic located inside the Mission. The clinic, which closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin, once again, treating men residing at the Mission on September 22, 2020.



The clinic, established in 2007, is the result of a partnership between the Allentown Rescue Mission and DeSales University. The two organizations united to bring quality, compassionate, and culturally competent healthcare to the homeless. As well as to honor the university’s Christian humanistic traditions of community service. “We have been honored and privileged to care for the gentlemen experiencing homelessness that have been sheltered at the Allentown Rescue Mission”, says Suzanne Cressman, Director of the DeSales Free Clinic. The student-run clinic will continue to be staffed by PA students, volunteer community nurse, physicians, PAs and faculty from DeSales’ nationally recognized Physician Assistant program and supported by private donations, student fundraising efforts, and the DeSales Free Clinic Endowment.

To ensure the safety of the patients and volunteers, the Allentown Rescue Mission and DeSales University agreed upon several procedural changes before committing to reopening. “We are planning a step-by-step reopening that involves great care and precaution”, adds Cressman. The students, faculty, preceptors, and men will be pre-screened before entering the clinic. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided, along with rearranged space for social distancing, and enhanced cleaning procedures. Additionally, the Allentown Rescue Mission received a COVID-19 relief grant from the City of Allentown that will allow them to add partitions in the waiting room and examination rooms. The grant will also provide them with new easy-to sanitize chairs for each area.

The Allentown Rescue Mission would like to thank DeSales University for their commitment to community health. The Free Clinic is an invaluable community resource for the Allentown Rescue Mission and the men we hope to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore. We are blessed to partner with such an amazing organization.

 

The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team pays the men above PA state minimum – helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. The Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.

To refer someone to the Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org

Information provided to TVL by:
Stefanie Appel
Community Relations

Allentown Rescue Mission
www.allentownrescuemission.org
 

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