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Medical facility welcomes Washington Park residents

By Richard Muhammad on Wednesday, February 14, 2007

When Dr. John Awah decided to open a medical center, he looked north and south, east and west. His decision to build the three-level Korle Bu Medical Center at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Garfield Boulevard, in Washington Park, drew cautions.

"You'll have problems with security, the area isn't a good location, don't do it," he was told.

The Ghanaian native and staff physician at two area hospitals didn't let the negative warnings affect him. He purchased the land and had the facility built from the ground up.

Judging from a tour that started in his office and encompassed all three levels of the first class facility, south side residents stand to benefit from his decision.

A photo in the lobby proclaims the traditional Ghanaian greeting "Akwaaba," or welcome.

Accompanied by marketing manager Genya Harley, Dr. Awah met with Tasha Baker, director of the New Communities Program in Washington Park, who welcomed him to the neighborhood.

She thanked him for his interest in serving Washington Park residents, including tenants in over 500 units of housing owned by St. Edmund's Redevelopment Corp., the NCP lead agency.

Baker discussed forming a partnership with Dr. Awah, and working together to inform residents about health issues and dispensing information at a health fair and other community-based events.

Elderly residents often don't have an understanding of prescribed medication and ask her for help, Baker said.

Baker talked to Dr. Awah on Jan. 31 about how to reach residents, the lack of medical care in the neighborhood, and offered to help spread the word about the services offered at Korle Bu Medical Center, which is pronounced "corley-boo." The facility opened in November 2006. 

The Quality of Life Plan for Washington Park, which gives a roadmap for community redevelopment, is very strong on "brick and mortar," but lacking in its health focus, said Baker. She asked Dr. Awah to help improve the health part of the plan.

Baker was also impressed with the doctor's bedside manner as she overheard patients talking about the excellent treatment they received. Harley called the highly animated and energetic Baker "a blessing."

Having someone with knowledge of the community, who invites you in and offers to help make connections is important, she said.

"The idea of a comprehensive medical facility and location of the center was carefully selected due to its strategic position; a stand alone medical center in the community gives a sense of ownership to the local community," Harley said.

The facility, which looks deceptively small from the outside, houses a pharmacy, dental clinic, X-ray and other screening equipment, a sleep center, an eye clinic, weight loss clinic and multiple examination rooms. Dr. Awah calls it a hospital without the beds. Korle Bu is also the name of a hospital in Ghana.

Korle Bu Medical Center accepts various medical insurance plans and has a sliding fee scale, based on income, for those without medical coverage. Transportation to the medical center is available for patients.

Whether it's the music of Michael Jackson of the sounds of the late crooner Luther Vandross oozing out of speakers, flat screen TVs in waiting rooms, African or African American art that adorns the walls, the center makes a strong statement: You are at home, you are welcome here.

 

 

 

 

Read more about Korle Bu Medical Center: http://www.korlebumedicalgroup.com/contact.html