Corktown Health employees and members of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry hosted a free dental clinic in July at the Hazel Park Recreation Center. (Corktown Health photo)
The nonprofit Corktown Health in Detroit, which serves LGBTQ+ and underserved patients, is moving to open a large new clinic in Hazel Park next year.
Fundraising efforts to open the new clinic on John R in Hazel Park took a significant step forward this month.
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) announced a $2 million grant for the new clinic. Fundraising efforts have reportedly been underway to raise a total of about $8 million for the project.
“This grant marks a significant step toward a healthier, more equitable future for Hazel Park and beyond,” McFall said in a statement. “Corktown Health’s innovative approach to health care aligns perfectly with our community’s values, and I’m honored to support this mission.”
The state grant will strengthen the fabric of the community by ensuring high-quality health care is accessible to all residents, McFall added.
Corktown Health’s mission is to advance health for all with a focus on the LGBT+ community, said Teresa Roscoe, the nonprofit’s chief operating officer.
The organization is open to anyone seeking comprehensive and inclusive health-care services, Roscoe said.
“About 60 percent of our current patients identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. “The organization also has programs to help low-income patients and those without health insurance.”
Corktown Health’s clinic in Hazel Park is expected to open in late 2024 in a 19,000-square-foot facility in the 24300 block of John R Road.
The location was formerly the site of a lumberyard and the former Cellarman’s brewery, which closed in 2019.
Roscoe said plans are to bring the building back to life with a full-scale renovation and offer medical, dental, behavioral health, wellness and support services.
“We are working with Albert Kahn Associates to design a state-of-the-art facility to … deliver health care service and foster inclusiveness,” Roscoe said.
Corktown Health serves about 4,000 patients and has roughly 45 employees. The clinic that is planned to open in Hazel Park will bring about 20 employees, some current and others new, to serve patients.
“There are gaps in access to affirming primary care LBGTQ+ folks and other marginalized communities in southern Oakland County,” Roscoe said. “We explored (other locations for the new clinic) throughout the region before selecting Hazel Park as an ideal location to expand services and make an impact on health disparities affecting local residents.”
The nonprofit is no stranger to Hazel Park.
Corktown Health has hosted and taken part in a number of clinics and events in the city over the past several years.
Those have included COVID-19 vaccines during the early phases of the pandemic at the Hazel Park Recreation Center.
“Last year, we held MPOX vaccine clinics (at the rec center) where we also offered HIV testing, flu and other vaccines,” Roscoe said.
For the last two summers, Corktown Health did week-long free dental clinics at the recreation center in partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and Oakland County Health Division.
“We are a proud sponsor of Hazel Park Pride,” Roscoe said, “and our team loves meeting with residents in the city.”
In a statement, Corktown Health CEO Anthony Williams said he was grateful for the $2 million grant that Rep. McFall delivered for the new clinic, which will allow the organization to expand its reach and impact.
“This funding is not just an investment in a new clinic,” William said. “It’s an investment in the well-being and resilience of the entire community.”