The St. Mary Health Center in Wilmington, NC is facing the possibility of closing its doors soon due to a letter from the St. Mary Basilica, where the center has been located for decades, instructing them to vacate the premises. Despite purchasing an insurance plan in hopes of securing more time, the center was still asked to leave by July 1st.
The situation has left many in the community saddened by the potential loss of this valuable resource. The center offers free emergency dental services to low-income patients in the area and is a vital resource for those who need it most.
Laura Vinson, executive director of the center, expressed her disappointment and frustration after receiving the letter from the basilica. “We were blindsided,” she said, “We had been led to believe there was a plan to help us stay until a new location could be secured.”
Volunteer Kathy Smith, who has been with the center for a decade, found the situation shocking and expressed concern for both patients and volunteers. Patients are worried about where they will receive care next and this closure will also impact medical and dental students who work at
