Ursuline Sisters HIV Clinic Celebrates 20 Years

CANFIELD, Ohio — With 20 years serving the Youngstown area, the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry thanks all who have helped make the only clinic in the Youngstown community specializing in HIV/AIDS care a success.

In May 2001, the clinic was formed with two employees and one doctor, according to a press release. It has since grown to 22 staff members and contracts with four infectious disease doctors and a mental health counselor, serving more than 400 men, women and children in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties annually.

“Many of the people receiving treatment at the Ursuline Sisters clinic are living longer, fuller lives and thriving,” said Daniel Wakefield, HIV/AIDS Ministry director. “Furthermore, successful treatment of their HIV prevents transmission, and so the clinic is helping to empower patients to end the spread of HIV in our community.”

In addition to health care, the clinic provides wrap-around services in a safe setting, ensuring those in need are fed, clothed, have stable housing and social outlets without judgment, according to the release. Services are available to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, including pediatric and adult HIV testing, HIV health care, mental health counseling, case management and peer support.

The ministry thanks the individual donors, foundations and community partners who supported the clinic, as well as the nurses, doctors, social workers, counselors, staff and volunteers.

“And the four Ursuline Sisters, who 28 years ago, when no one else was stepping up to care for people living in poverty and struggling with HIV/AIDS, said ‘We will do it.’ “

Click HERE to watch the 20th anniversary video

Pictured: Daniel Wakefield, Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry director; Sister Kathleen Minchin, director emeritus; and Brigid Kennedy, Ursuline Ministries president. (Image: Ursuline Ministries)

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