Suspension of Free Clinic and Chair Yoga activities until further notice due to COVID-19

The St. Benedict Health and Healing Ministry Board of Directors has reviewed guidance issued by the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, our parent organization, on responding to the Coronavirus. Specifically, the Diocese has instructed its leaders to “suspend in-person public gatherings”, and to do so as soon as possible for “particularly vulnerable populations.” The latter includes “everyone over 60 and those with respiratory conditions, heart disease or diabetes.”

At the same time, we have been notified by the OUR Center and Sister Carmen Community Center that walk-in services have been discontinued, which of course impacts our ability to conduct our clinics in Longmont and Lafayette. We also understand that the Sunday soup kitchens are temporarily moving to only box lunch distribution to avoid indoor gatherings in their Boulder church buildings.

In light of these developments, the Board has asked me to inform our volunteers that it has suspended all Free Clinic and Chair Yoga activities until further notice. We know that a number of volunteers would have been willing to serve without interruption. We encourage them and all to focus on taking care of themselves and their loved ones during this time. Flattening the curve of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission is the best way to protect vulnerable populations and make a positive impact.

We will begin assigning staff to Free Clinics as suitable locations become available again and our Board and Medical Director approve . Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we wish you and your families well during this difficult time.

Bill Goodwin

Executive Director

St. Benedict Health and Healing Ministry