COM students recognized for work with Martha’s Health Clinic

(TEMPLE, TX) — Students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine recently were recognized by Texas State Rep. Dianne Delisi (R-Temple) for their humanitarian efforts at Martha’s Health Clinic in Temple.

Martha’s Health Clinic is a student-run free clinic founded in 1994 by two Texas A&M medical students who saw a need for better health care for the homeless population in Temple. Within a year, the clinic expanded from one room to an entire wing.

For the past 12 years, HSC-COM medical students have continued to provide quality health care to the homeless and indigent residents of Temple and Bell County.

In recognition for their assistance to the community, Rep. Delisi issued a resolution reading as follows:

“Whereas, Martha’s Health Clinic in Temple has been meeting the needs of the area’s homeless and indigent populations since 1994, and it is a pleasure to recognize those individuals who contribute to this humanitarian endeavor; and

“Whereas, founded by Texas A&M University medical students Eric Beshires and Eric Wilke, Martha’s Health Clinic is an extension of Martha’s Kitchen/Shelter and offers free medical examination and treatment to its patients; and

“Whereas, each week, 25 to 40 patients are seen by medical students working under the supervision of an attending physician; patients receive treatment on-site or a referral for aid at one of the area’s medical facilities; and

“Whereas, many individuals contribute to the success of this enterprise, notably the members of the board of directors: Lam Le, Anthony James, Sarah Labuda, Laurel Brown, Lee-Lee Nguyen, Ruby Lee, April Schiemenz, Melissa Reily, Leslie Strickland, Christopher Thompson, Mona Zaidi, Eamon Berge, Harrison Nguyen, Jeremy Rush, and Maria Gonzalez; and

“Whereas, aiding those in need is a noble endeavor, borne out of a strong sense of morality and compassion for humankind, and the volunteers who share their time and energy helping the patients of the Martha’s Health Clinic are deserving of high praise for their efforts;

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the board of directors and volunteers of Martha’s Health Clinic be honored for their dedication to those in need in Temple and Bell County and that they be commended for setting an inspirational example for all who know their efforts.”

Martha’s Health Clinic board member Lam Le hopes the resolution will further the students’ efforts to help those that need their assistance.

“This recognition is a good step towards greater community recognition and support for Martha’s Clinic,” Le said. “With the improved awareness and a recently received grant, Martha’s Clinic continues to speed forward, breaking new ground each and every day.”