History of His Hands Clinic

The initial motivation for a free clinic was a visit by Dr. Jim Bell to the 1991 meeting of the Christian Medical and Dental Society in Chicago, which focused on health care for the poor. His effort was enthusiastically joined by both hospitals and other interested parties. The Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic opened in May 1992 in space donated by The Jane Boyd Community Center. In the early days, clinic was open for three hours every other Monday night. As the need for free care became more evident, Dr. Ken Cearlock joined the clinic allowing it to be opened every Monday night. Numerous nurses, social workers, and pharmacists joined the effort.

Year after year the demands on the clinic increase. In 1996, The Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic was incorporated as His Hands Ministries and obtained non-profit status and a Board of Directors. Darlene Schmidt was hired as executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations. Extra clinics were added for primary care on Thursdays and then Tuesdays, as well as specialty clinics in gynecology, podiatry and general internal medicine. A prescription assistance program was started to address the needs for medications. The spiritual ministry portion started a monthly dinner and worship service. The patient rosters continued to swell and in 2001 the clinic saw over 5000 patients.

In 2002 a search began for an alternate clinic site. In the preliminary stages of the search process philosophical differences were pulling the Board of Directors in different directions. Those issues most factious were administration, accountability and dedication to the original intent and mission statement of the organization as a Christ-centered institution. Several Board members and the executive director resigned.

The Cedar Rapids Free Medical Clinic reopened its doors in January 2003 at its present location at 1043 3rd Avenue SE. Corina Tracy was hired as the new Clinic Director. Significant changes at the clinic in 2003 included the institution of scheduled appointments and solidification of the ministry with trained prayer support volunteers present to counsel and pray with patients during each clinic.

At the end of 2003, Corina Tracy relocated and Andi Doane was hired as the new clinic director.

In 2006, the Board of Directors adopted a new logo and consolidated the organization?s name to His Hands Free Medical Clinic.

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