By Meredith Bailess and Chris Eason
JACKSON – St. Dominic’s Community Health Clinic has been renamed to honor Sister Mary Trinita Eddington who started the clinic and served patients as a nurse practitioner for more than 25 years.
“Sister Trinita has been a cherished part of the St. Dominic’s ministry for more than 65 years and has truly left an indelible mark on both our community and the people we serve,” said Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP, associate executive director, St. Dominic’s Foundation. “As her Sister in Christ, long-time colleague, and friend for life, I can think of nothing more fitting than to name this beloved clinic in her honor.”
A renaming ceremony was held at Stewpot Community Services where the clinic is located. Beginning May 9, 2024, the clinic is now known as the Sister Trinita Community Clinic.
“What more could one dream of or ask for, to feel so needed, loved and appreciated,” said Sister Trinita Eddington, OP. “I wish to take a moment to give thanks to the Lord our God for the gift of this clinic. It is He who began this work, He who gave it guidance, and He who continues to bring it to fulfillment.”
After working for 36 years as a nurse at St. Dominic’s in a variety of settings from patient care to nursing leadership, including as vice president of patient care services, Sister Trinita earned her degree as a nurse practitioner and set about establishing a clinic dedicated to serving those who cannot afford basic medical care.
Through Sister Trinita’s efforts and close ties with Stewpot Community Services and the Central Urban Ministry Center, the clinic was established in 1996. Today, the clinic continues to provide healthcare services free of charge for the medically underserved in Jackson. The team is now led by Sister Trinita’s long-time colleague and fellow nurse practitioner Mary Watkins.
“The services provided by the clinic are such an important part of the comprehensive resources we aim to offer our community,” said Jill Buckley, executive director, Stewpot Community Services. “The Stewpot community has been blessed by Sister Trinita’s ministry, and we are happy to see her legacy continue for many years to come.”
Patients of the Sister Trinita Community Clinic are welcome with no appointment necessary. Primary health care services include:
- Routine checkups, acute illnes treatment
- Blood pressure and blood sugar checks
- Sports or employment physicals
- Limited chronic care, nutrition counseling
- Waived lab testing, scheduling of lab
- Specialty care referrals and social services
- Assistance with prescriptions
- Supplies and equipment
In addition to primary care services, the clinic provides a variety of educational programs for children, adolescents, and adults to promote disease prevention and safety.
Learn more about how you can support this initiative and other community healthcare initiatives by contacting the St. Dominic Health Services Foundation at (601) 200-6910 or donate online at https://www.fmolhs.org/giving/foundations/st-dominics-foundation.
About St. Dominic Health Services
St. Dominic’s is more than just a hospital. It is a family of services focused on fulfilling a mission of Christian healing to those in need. These include St. Dominic Hospital, the Sister Trinita Community Clinic, St. Dominic Medical Associates (physician network), St. Dominic’s Fitness Center, St. Dominic’s Foundation, St. Catherine’s Village and Care-A-Van. As a Christian healing community, St. Dominic’s is called to provide quality, compassionate care and an exceptional experience every time. St. Dominic’s is part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and is driven by its mission to serve all God’s people, especially those most in need. Learn more at stdom.com.
