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BPC receives $200,000 grant to upgrade McArthur Clinic

BPC Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Campbell signs a $200,000 grant agreement between the college and the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation (GBHCMF) at the Jan. 17 Board of Trustees meeting on the Mount Vernon campus. The GBHCMF grant will allow the college to maintain and update its on-campus infirmary in Mount Vernon, the McArthur Clinic. (Photo by Kelley M. Arnold)

By Kelley M. Arnold

Director of News and Public Information

MOUNT VERNON—The Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation (GBHCMF) recently awarded a $200,000 grant to Brewton-Parker College for the purpose of updating its on-campus infirmary, the McArthur Clinic – the primary health care provider to the college’s students and employees in Mount Vernon.

The grant was formally presented to the college Feb. 7 at a Grantees’ luncheon at the Georgia Baptist Missions & Ministry Center in Atlanta.

The grant will be used to fund capital improvements to the clinic, including new carpet, new equipment, added security and repairs to the building, reported Doug Baird, BPC vice president for college advancement.

“The Georgia Baptist Healthcare Ministry Foundation grant will assist Brewton-Parker College to fulfill its mission by (continuing to provide) a caring, Christian health center for students, faculty, staff and some community members, while bringing fine professional healthcare providers to our campus,” said Dr. David R. Smith, BPC president. “The McArthur Clinic is a place where members of this community can find physical remedies and be exposed to spiritual solace through the provision of evangelistic materials placed there by the College. We are very grateful for this needed gift that will considerably improve service to our constituents.”

According to Baird, “the building housing the McArthur Clinic was donated over 20 years ago to the college to serve the health and spiritual needs of the community. Ten years ago, medical equipment was donated by (then-BPC trustee and retiring physician) Dr. Leonard Durrence of Blackshear to further those pursuits. This clinic is the only medical opportunity for Brewton-Parker faculty, staff, families, and in many cases, the community, for many miles. Without this facility located on campus, the health needs of our community would go untended.”

The McArthur Clinic is staffed by local doctors Nancy Elwood and Joseph Foust.

According to its website, the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation is a supporting organization that primarily provides financial support to the health care ministry of the Georgia Baptist Convention within the state of Georgia. Secondarily, the Ministry Foundation will assist Georgia communities and others it serves with worthwhile health care related programs.

Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college in south Georgia. It is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention.

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