4 • The Beacon August 29 , 2024
Hope Clinic of Coshocton is celebrating 15th anniversary
By Jen Jones For The Beacon
In 2009 , under the direction of
Drs . Kevin and Kent Doherty , a group of local volunteers opened the Hope Clinic of Coshocton .
According to the Facebook page , the Hope Clinic is a faithbased free medical clinic that provides services to people who do not have any type of medical insurance . The Bible verse they follow is Romans 12:12 , “ Be joyful in hope , patient in affliction , faithful in prayer .” There are eight faith-based free medical clinics in Ohio .
The clinic opened Sept . 10 , 2009 , at the Coshocton County Career Center and moved to its current location at 131 S . Sixth St . on June 4 , 2011 . Grants and donations provided all the needed supplies for the clinic , which is now celebrating its 15th anniversary .
When the clinic opened , many people in Coshocton did not have any type of medical insurance , and Hope Clinic provided a way for everyone to see a doctor without a costly emergency room visit . Today , the clinic provides prayer , general practitioners , an optometrist , chiropractors and podiatrists .
“ Good healthcare should be available to every person , and Hope Clinic offers this for uninsured folks who may otherwise not be able to receive any healthcare ,” said volunteer Lynne Garrett , CNP .
“ I found the beginning of a clinic for uninsured a perfect way to share my nursing skills and talents ,” said registered nurse Deborah Johnson , another volunteer .
Maureen Karl is the president of the Hope Clinic of Coshocton . She said when Dr . Kevin and Kent Doherty discussed the vision of starting a free faith-based clinic in Coshocton , she never dreamed it would be as successful as it is .
“ It is only successful due to the tremendous support of our
The clinic first opened on Sept . 10 , 2009 , at the Coshocton County Career Center .
Submitted
Submitted
The all-volunteer staff of the Hope Clinic of Coshocton has returned $ 2,115,156 worth of services to the community since they opened their doors in 2009 . volunteers and donors . God has truly blessed the clinic . We need to thank everyone who has supported and continues to support the Hope Clinic of Coshocton ,” Karl said .
Todd Gibson , PA-C , said , “ I started with the Hope Clinic when it first opened in 2009 , and we were seeing patients at the career center . I worked in the ER with one of the founders , and through many discussions about starting this , I knew this was the right place for me to help out in the community . That being said , it is also a calling , a call to serving . Serving others in any capacity can be considered one of the highest callings , and I am proud to say that I am a part of Hope Clinic and what it stands for and demonstrates every week .”
Dr . Denise Miller said , “ Wow , it ’ s amazing that it ’ s been 15 years . When we opened , I was a new physician in the community and am now well-established . I look forward to serving with these great people for another 15 years .”
Dr . Kevin Doherty , one of the founders of the clinic , said , “ It is amazing that 15 years have gone by since starting Hope Clinic of Coshocton . I have such fond memories and lifelong friendships as a result of HCC . I am reminded of I Corinthians 12:21 , ‘ The eye cannot say to the hand , I don ’ t need you . And the head cannot say to the feet , I don ’ t need you .’ So many hands and feet , people — each with unique God-given gifts and talents meeting the specific need at the exact time needed to make HCC possible and to continue every Thursday .”
Doherty shared his appreciation to everyone , from the volunteers who constructed the space to the food prep , those who donated needed items and those who continue to support the Hope Clinic .
“ Too many to name make it all possible to provide totally free healthcare . I consider it a true privilege to have played a part in its development ,” Doherty said . “ But my greatest enjoyment is knowing HCC continues the mission to selflessly provide free healthcare as an opportunity to share the hope we have in Jesus . Thank you to Maureen ( Karl ) and all of her soldiers that continue the daily work and all those behind the scenes that make HCC continue to change lives .”
As of Aug . 15 , 2024 , the clinic ’ s 36 volunteers have donated 47,856 hours to helping others . They have served 8,642 patients , and 2,063 have sought ministry . More than 4,000 prayer requests have been received by the volunteers .
The all-volunteer staff of the Hope Clinic of Coshocton has returned $ 2,115,156 worth of services to the community since they opened their doors in 2009 .
Hope Clinic is open on Thursdays . Registration begins at 5 p . m . No appointments are
“
It is only successful due to the tremendous support of our volunteers and donors . God has truly blessed the clinic . We need to thank everyone who has supported and continues to support the Hope Clinic of Coshocton .”
Maureen Karl , president of the Hope Clinic of Coshocton
needed , except for the optometrist . Follow the Hope Clinic of Coshocton on Facebook for updates and closures .