A Heritage of Excellence
For over four decades, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center has been a pillar of the community, offering affordable, quality care to those in need.
At its inception at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (known then as the Southbridge Medical Advisory Council) was conceived as a solution for the health care disparities experienced by the low-income minority neighborhoods throughout the city of Wilmington. Incorporated in 1969, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center was well received by the community and enjoyed support from many community groups and individuals; it was not long before the small scale operation grew to become the first privately funded community health center in the State of Delaware with a sizeable staff of volunteer doctors and pharmacists.
At its inception at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (known then as the Southbridge Medical Advisory Council) was conceived as a solution for the health care disparities experienced by the low-income minority neighborhoods throughout the city of Wilmington. Incorporated in 1969, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center was well received by the community and enjoyed support from many community groups and individuals; it was not long before the small scale operation grew to become the first privately funded community health center in the State of Delaware with a sizeable staff of volunteer doctors and pharmacists.
HJMC Historical Timeline:
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1973 | S.M.A.C. receives the Delaware Public Health Association’s first ever award for outstanding community service in the field of public health.
1974 | As the demand for services increases, the need for additional staff became critical. Consequently, S.M.A.C. begins the transformation from volunteer to paid professionals. 1977 | We receive federal funding through the Department of Health and Human Services. 1980 | S.M.A.C. moves out its quarters on A Street to the Henrietta Johnson Community Center on New Castle Avenue. We change our name to the Henrietta Johnson Medical Center or HJMC. 1999 | Henrietta Johnson Medical Center opens a second office at the Riverside Medical Arts Complex, located on Lea Boulevard in the Northeast section of Wilmington. |
2000 | After a successful capital campaign, HJMC renovates and expands the current building to be able to treat the increased number of patients from Wilmington and beyond. The building includes dental facilities, a first in Delaware among federally funded healthcare facilities.
2008 | With the support of a federal grant, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center takes the initial steps to changeover to computer-based electronic medical records, scheduling and billing. The result: better patient care, lower costs, better time-utilization. 2010 | Because of a generous grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Delaware, BluePrints for the Community, HJMC expands women's health services by adding a second full-time OB/GYN. 2010 | The Henrietta Johnson Medical Center initiates the planning of a capital campaign to meet the increased need for dental and women’s health services. |
Biography
Mrs. Henrietta Johnson 1914-1997
Just as remarkable as the history of the Health Center is the history of the woman for which it is named. Henrietta Johnson, a nurse for over 20 years made political history in Delaware by becoming the first African American woman elected to the Delaware General Assembly House of Representatives.
During her two- term tenure, Henrietta Johnson fought for the Southbridge community, supporting legislation that benefited community-based social services, offered financial assistance to senior citizen organizations, increased welfare benefits and fostered the renovation of schools.
In 1980, Henrietta Johnson was honored for her years as a tireless representative of the people of Southbridge and the City of Wilmington at large by having a multi-purpose facility named in her honor... Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.
Just as remarkable as the history of the Health Center is the history of the woman for which it is named. Henrietta Johnson, a nurse for over 20 years made political history in Delaware by becoming the first African American woman elected to the Delaware General Assembly House of Representatives.
During her two- term tenure, Henrietta Johnson fought for the Southbridge community, supporting legislation that benefited community-based social services, offered financial assistance to senior citizen organizations, increased welfare benefits and fostered the renovation of schools.
In 1980, Henrietta Johnson was honored for her years as a tireless representative of the people of Southbridge and the City of Wilmington at large by having a multi-purpose facility named in her honor... Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.