Why the Mariam Clinic?

"It is our belief at Mariam Clinic that every human being has a right to live in dignity, and that access to affordable health care is an essential human need."

In 2009 within Wake County alone, 1 in 5 adults (18-64) had no health insurance! Within Durham, the number increased to almost 1 in 3. Nationally, 28% of the TOTAL cost of medical care for the uninsured is paid for by tax dollars. Mariam Clinic has been able to make crucial differences in the lives of our patients, their families and our local community.

Read what our volunteers have helped us to do:

• We have passed 1000 patients!
• Depending on the number of volunteers, we treat up to 30 patients on Sundays!
• Patients are offered translator services for languages ranging from Spanish and French to Arabic, Urdu and Hindi.
• Individuals call and email throughout the week for referrals and community resource information.
• Follow-up is provided to ensure referrals were applicable and beneficial.
• In May 2008, a Women's Health Day was held. Over 30 female patients were treated for pap smears, mammograms
  and other specialized care.
• On average, we conducted around 90 essential laboratory tests and examinations monthly.
• We currently have approximately 30 volunteers per month, but Mariam Clinic can use more help!

Patient: A single father has sole custody of his 5-day infant because the mother has a drug addiction. He lives with a relative, does not have a job or money. He has hypertension and could not afford medication for two months. Feeling overwhelmed, he came to Mariam Clinic. Our ACCESS Center provided referrals for job training, food banks, advocacy and employment. He obtained a prescription and a Medicaid application. His Medicaid was approved and our no longer needed. He said, "I never felt so safe." And our Mariam Clinic staff volunteers were able to see his beautiful baby girl.




Patient: The disabled wife was wheelchair bound and could not afford to see her 13 specialty doctors. The husband, a diabetic with hypertension, felt depressed and had been laid off of from his job. Our ACCESS Center volunteer addressed their needs and offered support. The couple was referred to another clinic to meet their long term health needs. They said, "We know we need to go to another clinic, but our hearts want to stay here."

Volunteer: "As a Mariam Clinic volunteer, my experience has helped me get through a very tough time in my personal life. My own frustrations have been relieved by the compassion I witness. I come to the clinic overwhelmed with my own problems. Then, I see my positive impact on the patients. I leave with hope, pleasure and satisfaction."