I flew into cold, snowy Chicago last week to discuss my book at the main facility of Erie Family Health Centers. This felt like a dream as I stood behind the lectern gazing at the audience that, believe it or not, included a few familiar faces from some thirty years ago. I had been invited to read from my book: Stories from the Tenth-Floor Clinic: A Nurse Practitioner Remembers.I was discussing EFHC’s humble beginnings to this group of employees seated in the conference room on the third floor of an impressively designed modern building.
The main clinic that I remember was housed in a community center. Children’s laughter in the after-school program and the sound of the ball dribbling on an indoor basketball court easily penetrated the partitioned walls of the exam rooms. The dedicated staff experienced delayed pay days when revenue came up short. The clinic where I worked, a short walk from the main center, had mismatched chairs in the waiting area, second hand medical equipment, and roaches in the cabinets. In spite of the physical shortcomings, EFHC cared about the patients, the community, and its staff.
EFHC not only survived its humble roots but thrived and expanded. The non-profit organization now has 14 health centers, and more Advanced Practice Nurses (nurse practitioners and midwives) than doctors and is recognized as providing the highest quality of care by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The Chicago Tribune named EFHC as one of the top workplaces in 2018.
I am honored to be part of EFHC’s history.
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Nursing Stories & Other Tales 
A life changing experience I am sure. Congratulations and thank you for all that you are doing as a model of a writer!
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It is always so heartwarming to see good programs survive and thrive! Thank you for sharing this great story. And for having been part of its early years.
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How Wonderful, Mariana.congratulations.
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Congratulations! Exciting to be in on the early days of a successful healthcare initiative. And to document that part of its history!
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Reblogged this on Write Along with Me and commented:
My friend Marianna’s book is out! Read about her earlier years as a nurse practitioner in a Chicago high rise. We met up in Chicago last week for her reading back at that agency. Exciting!
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