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Dr. Vicenta G. Marquez, fondly remembered answering medical questions and giving advice at the most unexpected places: church and grocery stores.  Her thought, "I need a place for these people".    ​

 

Already a member of the  Philipino American Association of Delaware, whose heroic mission was annual medical trips to provide care abroad, she decided, "Why not do it here, in Delaware?"  

 

After discussion with the Philipino Medical Association and an unmatched determination, a group of Filipino physicians decided to start a free clinic in Dover, Delaware.​

 

The Hope Medical Clinic was established October 2003 

 

Founders of the Hope Clinic, Drs. Vincenta G. Marquez, Venerando J. Maximo, Jose Pamintuan, and Basilio Bautista strategically chose working the Modern  Maturity Center- centrally located and accessible via public transportation.  The Board of THE MMC provided what was small storage space, to a reception area and exam room (divided by a curtain to create two exam rooms). ​Doctors provided free medication to the Hope Clinic patients by using samples from their offices, donations of expired (but effective medications) and some from pharmaceutical representatives.  

 

In 2007, Dr Thomas Mercer joined the Hope Medical Clinic to provide Dental services to this underserved population. Under his direction the Dental Clinic has expanded beyond general dental services.

 

 The clinic founders were committed to providing access to quality care to those who are uninsured and  underserved.