On Friday, May 31st, one of Indianapolis’ oldest community health centers suddenly closed with NO warning; leaving patients and their families in medical limbo. Citizens Health Center had been located at 1650 N College since 1974 serving residents of Indianapolis’ near northside. Despite their longevity, Citizens Health Center had been in turmoil for years with constant shakeups and turnover in top personnel and board members. The sudden closing has many in the community upset and concerned. Even though mainstream media has ignored this story, Afternoons with Amos did not. Appearing live in their first interview, two top members of the Citizens Health center board appeared on Afternoons with Amos to explain why the sudden shutdown. Board Vice-President Gayle Gowdy and Secretary Margie Oakley talked with Amos and the community about the reasons for the shutdown. Oakley blamed the shutdown on the Marion County Health & Hospital Corporation. Oakley charged that Health & Hospital unnecessarily and illegally withheld Federal grant dollars the Center was entitled to. That’s why the Center had sued Health & Hospital in Federal Court last year, but lost their case. Last week an appeal of the case was heard by the Federal Court of Appeals in Chicago. But not in time to keep the Center open. Oakley appealed to the community for financial and volunteer help to reopen the Center. Oakley said that the Raphael Health Center at 34th and Central would accept Citizens’ patients, but the lack of information and media coverage of the closing has led to much confusion and some anger among Citizens’ patients. Oakley also said Citizens is trying to reorganize under Federal bankruptcy protection, though its unclear the Center’s true financial condition. Click the Arrow to Hear Amos’ Interview with Citizens Health Center Board Members and Listeners. Runs 59 Minutes. ©2013 WTLC/Radio One.
