MERCI Clinic, Inc.
“Many Hands Provide Compassionate Care”
Historical Summary
In 1995, four people with a dream came to Dr. Ralph Redding and his wife, Beverlee, also an experienced professional in the medical field, seeking their help. Sonia Moore and Carolyn West from Religious Community Services of New Bern (RCS) along with Harriet Milde and Barbara Odderstol of Matthew 25 (a New Bern ecumenical group) were seeking support for a free medical clinic for those working in Craven County not covered by health insurance nor able to afford treatment. Under the umbrella of Religious Community Services their dream was realized as the MERCI Clinic opened August 20,
The name, MERCI Clinic, was chosen as an acronym for its original sponsors: Matthew 25 (a New Bern ecumenical group), East Carolina University, Religious Community Services, the Community of New Bern, and Individual contributors and volunteers.
After the initial planning and organization, the Clinic was opened in August 1996 in the Phoenix House one night a week with one doctor, a nurse, and a handful of other volunteers. Eventually, a pharmacy was established and a pharmacist was recruited in the ranks to oversee the dispensing of prescription medications. Slowly, more physicians and other volunteers were recruited and the need for a larger space was evident. By late 1997, about 10- 15 patients were being seen each night and the location of 411 Broad St. in a downtown area of New
William Shumway, Pharmacy Director
Broad Street Location
Dr. Ralph Redding and Jeanne Collison
Bern, was being secured for rental. Lowes of New Bern and many other volunteers from the community renovated the interior of 411 Broad St. It was furnished and outfitted with the help of Dr. Truett Bennett who was in the process of retiring and closing his practice in Oriental, NC. Virtually everything in the Clinic has been donated. An Executive Director was hired in early 1998 and she oversaw the completion of the renovations of 411 Broad St. Unfortunately, she left the Clinic in June. In August 1998, Erich Smith was hired as Executive Director. By this time, 15-20 patients were being seen one night a week. A nurse's clinic was started by the ECU School of Nursing on Tuesday afternoons and the volunteer retired physicians started a continuity of care clinic in addition to the regular clinic hours on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Due to the increasing patient volume, a part-time nurse was employed to help with patient care coordination.
In the early months of 1999, it was evident the 411 Broad St. location would no longer meet the needs of the MERCI Clinic. The search began for yet a larger facility. Finally in 2000 after looking at many facilities and investigating the community needs and the ability of the community to support the potential growth of the MERCI Clinic, the Board of Directors made an offer to purchase 1315 Tatum Dr. This facility was owned by Coastal Ear Nose and Throat and was nearly perfect for what the Board of Directors envisioned for the future of the MERCI Clinic.
After many fundraising events and with the help of the Duke Endowment and Kate B. Reynolds Foundation, the Board of Directors purchased the facility in April of 2001. Renovations were donated by Brydge and Lee Corp. and the doors were open for patients the middle of June. With many modifications in the ensuing years the building continues to serve MERCI patients well.
