The St. Mary Health Center, a vital resource for low-income patients seeking free emergency dental services in Wilmington, may soon be shutting its doors. Executive director Laura Vinson expressed disbelief after receiving a letter from the basilica where the center is located, requesting them to vacate the premises. The basilica stated that they needed the rooms currently used by the Dental Clinic and asked the center to relocate.
Despite attempts to negotiate for more time by purchasing an insurance plan as suggested by the church, Vinson mentioned feeling deceived as they were under the impression that there was a plan in place to support them until they secured a new location. Volunteer Kathy Smith, who has been at the center for a decade, finds the situation shocking and believes it is a setback for the valuable work they do in the community.
Patients who rely on the services provided by the center are now uncertain about where they will receive care in the future. Smith noted that patients have expressed concerns and fears about not receiving the same level of care they are accustomed to. The impact of the center’s closure will also affect medical and dental students who volunteer there. Vinson expressed disappointment that
