On May 18, Mary’s Center hosted a grand opening ceremony for its newest location in Ward 4. The facility is the first full-service community health facility in that ward.

As part of the festivities, District Mayor Vincent Gray declared May 18 Mary’s Center Day at the grand opening. “The Mayor of the District of Columbia, do hereby proclaim May 18, 2011, as Mary’s Center Day in Washington, D.C., and call upon all the residents of this great city to join me in recognizing the members of this organization for their dedication and commitment to strengthening the foundation of our beloved community -the District residents,” Gray said.

Also in attendance were Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb, Council member David Catania and Ward 4 Councilwoman Muriel Bowser.

“Today’s opening shows that despite challenging economic times and budget tightening, the District is still able to make possible the delivery of vital health and social services to those in need,” said Catania. “Mary’s Center is a shining example of the good that can be accomplished by dedicated community members and effective public programs.”

The Georgia Avenue site will be Mary’s Center’s largest community health center, with 26,000 square feet of space, 22 exam rooms and five dental chairs. The facility also has new space for mental health and social services, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and family literacy programs. The new facility also allows Mary’s Center to serve approximately 20,000 patients per year, nearly doubling annual service capacity. 

Mary’s Center received $11.625 million, nearly 70 percent of the total cost of the facility, from the District’s Medical Homes Project.  The Medical Homes Project is administered by the DC Primary Care Association with funding from the District’s Tobacco Settlement fund. The Mary’s Center Clinic is the second major medical clinic expansion primarily funded through the Medical Homes Project. 

Mary’s Center, founded in 1988, is a nonprofit, non-religious organization based in the District.  It provides comprehensive and integrated health care, education, and social services to individuals and families whose needs often go unmet. 

Mary’s Center is located at 3912 Georgia Ave., N.W. For more information, visit maryscenter.org.