Catherine McAuley, the Founder of the Sisters of Mercy, was blessed by an inheritance that might have led her to mingle socially among the highest levels of society. She might have enjoyed a spacious home, servants, travel and entertainment.
Instead, her heart centered in God and her soul shaped for serving the poor, Catherine’s inheritance became the means by which she could express the merciful spirit of God to poor women and children of Dublin. In 1831 Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy and before 10 years had passed, 150 women followed her in service as teachers and nurses.
UDM’s McAuley Health Center carries Catherine’s mission into Today’s Detroit community. A nurse-managed clinic, the McAuley Center strengthens access to primary care services for vulnerable persons who may be challenged by transportation issues, age, financial resources, or little or no relationship with the health care system.
UDM’s Nurse Practitioners provide services such as physical examinations, assessment and treatment for chronic health problems, and immunizations. They will evaluate patients for physician referral when needed.
Additionally, McAuley Health Center provides important health screenings, health promotion and health education for mothers, families and children of Detroit.
Graduate and undergraduate students in the McAuley School of Nursing are gaining valuable experience in their service at the Center, and graduate students and faculty can participate in research that ultimately can contribute to the promise of health and well-being for all of Detroit’s residents. While we educate our student nurses with the best possible skills preparation, we are instilling in them the understanding and empathy they will need to address issues of disparity in health care.
If you would like to support the service of the McAuley Center in the community or the McAuley School of Nursing, please contact the College of Health Professions at University of Detroit Mercy, or go on-line at www.udmercy.edu/giving.