Local clinic offers medical care, prayers

Michael Hansberry-The Auburn Villager Dr. Dell Crosby

It's early Monday morning and the normal hustle and bustle at Mercy Medical Clinic is already underway.

The clinic is on Catherine Court, right off East University Drive on the bottom floor of an office building. The workday begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. every Monday through Thursday.

While people eagerly wait their turn to see the doctor, behind the scenes workers are organizing medicines, setting up appointments and successfully getting people in and out in time for the next patient.

Out of the 16-member staff, only four are paid. Money obviously isn't the motivating factor here. It's Jesus.

Mercy Medical is the brainchild of Dr. Dell Crosby, an emergency room doctor at East Alabama Medical Center who works two to three days a week conducting clinics at Mercy. When Crosby is not able to physically be at the clinic, he works over the phone solving issues and troubleshooting.

Crosby came up with the idea of a free local clinic in 1995, after he returned from an African mission trip. He said the need for medical aid in other countries is great, but why not help the people in his own city?

"I knew there were needs that needed to be met in Lee County," Crosby said. "The trip inspired me to open a clinic here, because I saw what it's like for those who have no medical care."

It would be five years before Crosby's dream became a reality, but since then, his clinic has helped more than 3,000 people. The office offers free or low-cost services to those who have no means of paying for health insurance. Services include general medical care, X-ray examinations and basic dental care.

Crosby said he "first met Jesus Christ as a personal savior" at age 7. He said he hopes to be a source of peace and strength to the community.

"I think the clinic is doing a great thing," said David George, an Auburn University graduate from Alexander City who works at the clinic 25 hours per week for experience in the medical field.

George hopes to attend medical school. Since last October he has helped with paperwork, ordering medicines and taking blood pressure.

"There needs to be more clinics like this," George said. "Some people just can't afford medical insurance. What Dr. Crosby is doing is amazing--giving up his personal time to run a clinic like this when he could be doing something else. It really shows that he enjoys being a doctor."

Deloris Carey (not her real name) agrees with George. She's been coming to Mercy for the past three years for blood pressure medicine. She said Mercy Medical has saved not only her life, but also the lives of others who can't afford proper medical care.

"This place is a blessing to the community," Carey said. "I was without blood pressure medicine for an entire year before I heard of this place. A lot of people have severe health problems and might not be here today if it weren't for Dr. Crosby."

Funding for the clinic comes from private organizations and churches around the community. It couldn't run without the help of the workers and volunteers. Four volunteer doctors visit once per month to help with the patients. Crosby is there every week.

The clinic's guidelines state that the patient must be a resident of Lee County, and his or her income must not exceed twice the federal poverty level based on household size. This means that a family with four members in the household cannot make more than $44,100 annually. The center doesn't treat children.

Prospective patients are required to show proof of income for everyone in the household, proof of Lee County residency and a letter from Medicaid stating the patient is not eligible to work.

In the back of the medical center is the counseling room. This is where patients go to learn more about and discuss Christianity, but only if they desire to do so. A counselor is on hand to pray with patients about health issues or any other problems they may be experiencing.

Bill Holmes is one of those counselors.

"We figure out where people are in their spiritual life and pray with them," Holmes said. "If they're not in a church, we see if they're willing to join one, any one."

Crosby said no prejudice is shown against those who aren't interested in hearing about Christianity. He said everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

Deborah Lee deals with the clinic's pharmaceutical orders. If a patient wants his or her medicine, they come to her. The clinic's aim is to offer the most affordable medications to its patients by participating in the Prescription Assistance Program (PAP), in which drug companies provide some free medications for patients who can prove they have no means of purchasing the drugs themselves.

The patient may also be provided with a month's supply of medication (as long as it's in stock) for a dollar per month.

Lee is the daughter and wife of a pastor. She said it takes someone with "a true heart" like Crosby to open a clinic like Mercy Medical.

"I really and truly believe in what Crosby does here," Lee said. "You have to have almost a ministry heart. If you can help the spiritual, then the physical gets better."

Lee said she doesn't do it for the pay, but because she genuinely wants to help others. She described working at the clinic as "the perfect job."

This year the clinic received Auburn Rotary Club's Citizen of the Year Award. Still, Crosby is modest about his accolades and accomplishments. But, it's the beginning of the week and he has a full day's work ahead of him. Nothing detracts him from his goals.