Stormont-Vail Foundation To Honor Marian Clinic with 2011 Bal Jeffrey Award

(Topeka, Kan., Oct. 07, 2011) – The Stormont-Vail Foundation will present the 2011 Bal Jeffrey Award to the Marian Clinic at a dinner and program Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center. The annual Bal Jeffrey Award recognizes and honors distinguished contributors to health care in northeast Kansas. The award is named for Balfour S. Jeffrey, Stormont-Vail’s longest-tenured board member, who played a major role in the growth of health care for more than 40 years.

The Marian Clinic opened its doors in January 1988 with seed money from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The Clinic has long been a community endeavor with widespread support from many faith groups, organizations, businesses, foundations, and individual donors.

Although the Clinic’s origin has strong Catholic ties, today it ministers to men, women and children of every faith and background, providing them with medical and dental care and treatment. To be eligible, individuals must be without health insurance and meet income guidelines based on national poverty levels.

Currently, the Marian Clinic partners with over 284 volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, medical and dental practices, and other clerical volunteers who offer their services to patients at no charge. The Clinic has 40 employed staff members.

“On behalf of the Marian Clinic board, team and volunteers, we are humbled to receive the 2011 Bal Jeffrey Award from the Stormont-Vail Foundation,” said Barbara Barnard, Marian Clinic Board Chair. “We view Marian Clinic as a community portal for the resources required, to come together to serve the compelling patient needs of the uninsured and the underinsured. By bringing these medical, financial and volunteer resources together in a common structure, we aspire to assist in building a stronger, healthier community. It is our hope the recognition of the Bal Jeffrey Award will increase awareness of the needs of the uninsured and underinsured within our community. We are, in the end, blessed and grateful for this recognition.”

The Stormont-Vail Foundation is very pleased to honor Marian Clinic with the 2011 Bal Jeffrey Award for distinguished contributions to health care.