Sister Rosa's influence grows via health center expansion in Georgetown

GEORGETOWN — No sod was tossed Tuesday during a “groundbreaking” for an expansion of The Rosa Health Center, but seeds were planted.

A more modern facility is on the way, one that seeks to meet the growing demands of the uninsured and the needy — all in the name of the late Sister Rosa Alvarez.

“The community is growing, the population is growing, the needs are growing, and the demand for health care is growing,” said Dr. Rama Perry, who opened the center a decade ago. “We started with 15 patients the first day. We now have a panel of over 2,000 patients.”

Around $2.4 million has been raised for the construction at 10 N. Front St., which will feature eight exam rooms, a conference room, new medical equipment, comfort space for its seven staffers and an educational component.

The 2,500-square-foot expansion will augment the existing 2,000-square-foot site.

“My dream, our dream, was to have educational space,” Dr. Perry said. “More time to talk about diabetes, blood pressure or taking care of your baby. I believe an educated patient is going to be someone we empower and, therefore, will take better care of themselves.”

The new structure will be attached to the existing office, soon to be renovated.

Along with education, a prime focus will be prevention. “(It’s) a place where we together, as a group and as a team, will try to solve the problems our patients would face because the needy have a multitude of problems, not just medical but social, also,” Dr. Perry added.

The center offers family practice services from infants to adults. Its namesake was one of three Carmelite sisters (along with Sister Maria and Sister Acsension), who served the needy of Sussex County for over 20 years.

In the spirit of their compassion, The Rosa Health Center strives to provide a similar approach.

“I became very good friends with Sister Rosa before I had started the clinic. When we started the clinic, I knew we would be naming it after her,” Dr. Perry said.

She wanted to remain at the North Front Street location, due mainly to clientele.

“We’ve been as responsive to the community as we can. I wanted to stay in this location because a lot of patients walk; they don’t have transportation,” Dr. Perry said. “In fact, we had somebody who knocked on the door, and we ended up delivering a baby in the office. It’s that kind of a center.

“The principles of the clinic are the principles that Sister Rosa practiced, and the idea was to help the community.”

The emcee for the ceremony Tuesday, Kate Clark, put the theme plainly.

“Four simple words: Embrace love, not fear. These four words capture the core spirit and the essence of Sister Alvarez,” she said.

The project’s funding sources include the Longwood Foundation, as well as an appropriation spurred by U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Dr. Perry noted, adding that the building is overdue for upgrades.

“As time has gone on, requirements for medical offices have become more stringent. We have to make sure that we comply,” said the doctor, whose husband, Dr. Srihari Perry, volunteers at the center.

Georgetown Mayor Bill West said he’s a longtime supporter of the providers’ work.

“I have known the Perrys for a long time,” he noted. “I became mayor in 2014. She opened in 2014. They are just great people. She is a great lady and does a lot of things for this community.”