Irvin Gammon Craig Health Center will remain open at least through the fall with financial assistance from the Bon Secours Health System.

The health center at 8000 Brook Road in Northern Henrico County had started notifying patients it was closing Sept. 15 after failing to get a federal grant. That closing is on hold for now.

Bon Secours will provide $25,000 a month for several months while looking at the feasibility of taking over the operation permanently and running it as a
8/28/08 11:47 AM
on inRich.com free clinic, said Peter J. Prizzio, executive director of the Daily Planet.

"They are at a point where they are not sure they can. They will need several months to do due diligence," said Prizzio, referring to Bon Secours. "During that period they have agreed to provide monthly support to keep the health center doors open."

The facility charges people based on their ability to pay and had been experiencing financial stress for some time. Last year, the health center partnered with the Daily Planet, a federally supported health center, and officials applied for a federal grant to make Craig Health Center a satellite site. After being notified this month that the grant request was not funded, the Craig Health Center board of directors decided to shut down the clinic.

Prizzio said Craig Health Center last year cared for 1,300 patients and recorded about 3,600 visits.

The health center is on the campus of St. Joseph's Villa, a nonprofit that works with special-needs children and their families. Some St. Joseph's clients and staff are Craig Health Center patients.

Patients such as Donna Carroll were delighted with the news. Carroll lives in Hollybrook Apartments next to the clinic and also on the St. Joseph's Villa campus. Carroll has multiple sclerosis and rides her wheelchair to the clinic for a weekly injection she needs to manage the condition.

"I transferred all my medical records over there," said Carroll, who is organizing patients to help the clinic stay open.

"I have faith that it will be open. It would have been a sin against God to close that clinic with as many people as it helps," said Carroll.