Care for the Vulnerable: Dr. Karen McCarthy

One woman started a movement. In 1993 Dr. Karen McCarthy and her husband opened the doors to a clinic in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that would provide free medical care to homeless men and women. The humble operation began in a space about the size of a closet. Thirty-one years later, Karen McCarthy, M.D. of Internal Medicine, still volunteers her time to the cause at City Rescue Mission. Since it’s inception, Dr. McCarthy has been on site every week outside of her regular practice, administering care and treatment to lines of people who need it most.? “This is my main ministry. It’s not work. It’s joy,” she states.?

Dr. McCarthy practices medicine in a way that is true to the mission – transforming mind, body, and spirit. She sees her role as a doctor beyond treating health conditions. She leads a Bible study with some of the women, and when treating patients, she understands the connection between mental health and physical well-being. Most of her patients at City Rescue Mission include those who face homelessness and addiction, which can result from mental?disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and forms psychosis. ?

City Rescue Mission is well known for emergency shelter care?services and warm meals for those coming off the streets. But beyond the front doors lies so much more. With Dr. McCarthy’s help over the years, City Rescue Mission's medical and dental clinics have identified and treated many diseases that people were unaware of, providing a space for hope and healing. ?

Dr. McCarthy will be 70 years old this year and is a proud grandma. She leads a life that is worthy of example. She works out five days a week and raised her two children to have compassionate and charitable spirits.? “This ministry was a part of our homeschooling, our kids’ upbringing,” she smiles. Her daughter and son spent time at the clinic as children and serve faithfully at City Rescue Mission to this day.?

#DifferenceMakers #WomensHistoryMonth?#InternationalWomensDay

If you are interested in knowing more, please visit crmjax.org ?