Mobile Health Clinic Unveiled at 10th Anniversary Kick-Off

New Mobile Unit for Sick and Uninsured Blessed by Fr. Eric Hollas and Ready for Bay Area Launch. Bill Cumbelich in the background holds holy water.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 21, 2018 – The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California yesterday unveiled its new mobile clinic, which will bring healthcare to those in need throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The mobile unit received an inaugural blessing from Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB, and a warm welcome from supporters and friends, who were gathered to celebrate the Clinic’s decade of service to the Bay Area’s uninsured community and officially inaugurate the 10th anniversary year.

“Seeing this mobile clinic ready for use is the culmination of many years of work by so many volunteers,” said John Christian, KM, Board chair of the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. “For years, we’ve shared a vision for bringing health services to more Bay Area patients, many of whom are unable to visit our clinic in downtown Oakland. This new mobile unit makes that dream a reality,” he said.

“Seeing this mobile clinic ready for use is the culmination of many years of work by so many volunteers,” said John Christian, KM, Board chair of the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. “For years, we’ve shared a vision for bringing health services to more Bay Area patients, many of whom are unable to visit our clinic in downtown Oakland. This new mobile unit makes that dream a reality,” he said.

The 36-foot unit is equipped with a medical examination room and storage bays for large-volume supplies, and boasts the recognizable Order of Malta red logo and branding. It will offer expanded capabilities to the Order of Malta Clinic, which has provided free on-site preventative health services and treatment for more than 30,000 patient visits at its location adjacent to Christ the Light Cathedral since opening in 2008. Clinic staff will establish partnerships with local parishes and community organizations to schedule mobile site visits and to enroll additional volunteer support. Service is planned to launch in August.

Members of the Board at the mobile clinic unveiling.

“To have the launch of this mobile clinic as part of our overall tenth anniversary celebration is a tremendous testament to the work and commitment of our volunteer network,” said Sara Cumbelich, Anniversary event chair and Clinic Board member. In addition to the launch of the mobile clinic, a key element of the anniversary celebration will be the Order of Malta Clinic’s annual gala, to be held on October 2 at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.

“To have the launch of this mobile clinic as part of our overall tenth anniversary celebration is a tremendous testament to the work and commitment of our volunteer network,” said Sara Cumbelich, Anniversary event chair and Clinic Board member.

This year, A Knight for Champions: 10th Annual Silver Chalice Awards Dinner will honor Quest Diagnostics Chairman, President and CEO Stephen Rusckowski and Deborah O’Hara Rusckowski, DM, both major supporters of the Order of Malta and the Clinic. Quest Diagnostics provides laboratory testing to the Clinic at highly discounted rates, while Deborah Rusckowski, a registered critical care nurse and health care advocate, serves as a Delegate for the Order of Malta to the United Nations. The Rusckowskis will journey from New York City for the honor.

“The gala will recognize the Rusckowskis and all of our great volunteers, staff and community supporters whose goodwill and dedication know no bounds,” Cumbelich added. “This event has grown in stature and impact each year, touching many members of our community who have no prior experience with the Order of Malta or our Clinic,” she said. “We want to expand our work and inspire more support, so we can help even more people receive quality health care regardless of ability to pay. The mobile clinic, our gala, and the day-to-day work of our volunteers are helping us achieve those goals.”

“This event has grown in stature and impact each year, touching many members of our community who have no prior experience with the Order of Malta or our Clinic,” Cumbelich said. “We want to expand our work and inspire more support, so we can help even more people receive quality health care regardless of ability to pay. The mobile clinic, our gala, and the day-to-day work of our volunteers are helping us achieve those goals.”

About the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California

Founded in 2008, the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California is a nonprofit medical clinic located in Oakland, California. Led by the Order of Malta, the Clinic provides free on-site preventative health care services and treatment to uninsured and low-income patients. The Clinic has a volunteer staff comprised of more than 50 volunteer physicians and nurses, and has seen more than 30,000 patient visits to date.