The St. Mary Health Center, the only health center in Wilmington that provides free emergency dental services to low-income patients, is facing closure after receiving a letter from the basilica where it is located, informing them to vacate the premises. Executive director Laura Vinson expressed feeling blindsided and deceived after being under the impression that there was a plan in place to support them until they secured a new location.
The center has been given until July 1 to vacate the premises, despite attempts by Vinson and volunteer Kathy Smith to negotiate for more time. The impact of the closure will be felt by patients who rely on the services provided by the center and medical and dental students who volunteer there. Patients are now uncertain about where they will receive care in the future, with concerns and fears about not receiving the same level of care they are accustomed to.
Despite efforts to reach out to the Basilica and Diocese of Raleigh for their perspective on the situation, no response has been received. The St. Mary Health Center is actively searching for a new location and encouraging anyone with suitable space to reach out to them. Efforts are being made to ensure that patients continue to receive quality care and medical students continue their training at an alternative location.