(Memphis) Christ Community Health Services has been quietly serving the medical needs of those in some of Memphis’ poorest communities since the 1990s.
“There are 50-plus doctors and nurse practitioners delivering care in our most underserved communities,” says Dr. Ric Donlon of Christ Community Health Services.
Now CCHS is honing in on a particular area of focus, women who may not have access to basic medical care.
“One of the reasons breast cancer kills more African-American women is because there is a delay in diagnosis. This is an attempt in this center to shorten the time from diagnosis to good treatment,” said Dr. Donlon.
Next month, in this office building on Poplar Avenue near Parkway, Christ Community opens its first center dedicated specifically to women, a one-stop-shop for everything from cancer screenings to prenatal care.
“We are happy about a new group obstetrics program where women go through pregnancy with other women at about the same stage of pregnancy,” said Dr. Donlon.
Bringing the center into reality takes community support and a big boost comes Sept. 28, 2013, with the Sisters in Motion Running Group’s Annual 5K Race.
All proceeds go to the new Women’s Center.
Sisters in Motion President Linda Sessoms says it’s a good fit for the women’s running group.
“We want women to be whole that is physically, spiritually, mentally. We want you to bring whole children into the world,” said Sessoms. “This is very important to us as we try to reach out to other young mothers that don’t know or need help.”
The Sisters In Motion 5K is Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013 at 8 a.m. at Overton Park.
You can register at www.sistersinmotion.racesonline.com.