St. Mary Health Center, a non-profit organization located in Wilmington, NC that provides free emergency dental services to low-income patients, is facing the possibility of closing its doors soon. The center has been operating for decades in a building owned by the St. Mary Basilica, but was recently instructed to vacate the premises by July 1st.
The letter from the basilica, sent in April, stated that they needed the rooms currently used by the Dental Clinic and asked the center to make arrangements to relocate. Despite purchasing an insurance plan in hopes of securing more time, the center was still asked to leave by July 1st. Executive director Laura Vinson expressed her disappointment and confusion about being blindsided by this sudden change of plans.
Volunteer Kathy Smith, who has been with the center for a decade, found the situation shocking and expressed concern for both patients and volunteers alike. Patients are worried about where they will receive care next and how their medical needs will be met without this valuable resource available. The closure will also impact medical and dental students who work at the center.
Despite attempts to contact the Basilica and Diocese of Raleigh for their perspective on the situation, no response was received. The center is now actively seeking a new location and asking for any available properties to be considered as potential new sites. The uncertain future of St
