EMPOWERING HEALTH AND ENRICHING LIVES

A Message from Our President

I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who made 2024 a landmark year for the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. Together, we have expanded our reach to those in need, enhanced our services, and reaffirmed our mission to provide high-quality healthcare to the uninsured.

The most significant milestone of last year was the reopening of our expanded facility within The Cathedral of Christ the Light. After months of careful planning, construction, and perseverance, the Clinic doubled its size—enabling us to serve up to 12,000 patient visits annually. Our patients travel from more than 80 cities in Northern California emphasizing the growing need for access to healthcare among a vulnerable 

population – those who work but still struggle to make ends meet. This expansion also enhances patient privacy, extends operating hours, and allows us to offer new specialty services. At our reopening celebration, we were honored to welcome Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, John Muir Health Foundation President Nevin Kessler, Oakland Councilmember Carroll Fife, and many of our dedicated supporters to share in the pride and impact of this truly collaborative effort. 

In 2024, we hired a new medical director, when we warmly welcomed Dr. Jeff Ritterman following the dedicated tenure of Dr. Susan Fernyak. With a distinguished career in cardiology and a lifelong passion for community health, Dr. Jeff is already bringing his expertise and vision to the Clinic and its operations. His deep commitment to preventative care and chronic disease management is helping us meet the evolving and complex needs of our patients. 

Another critical area of growth has been in mental health services. The rising demand for behavioral health support, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, has made this a priority for the Clinic. We are working to expand mental health care access for our patients because addressing both physical and emotional well-being is essential to our comprehensive approach to health. We are committed to building a sustainable, compassionate mental health program that meets the growing needs of patients and families. 

Beyond the walls of the Clinic, our community partnerships continue to flourish. The reinstatement of our podiatry clinic has been invaluable, providing free foot care to the unhoused population—a vital service that restores mobility, prevents complications, and improves quality of life. The Diabetes Nurse Education program has also remained strong, delivering hundreds of visits to help patients manage their health and prevent long-term complications. 

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and benefactors. We are grateful to the hundreds of individual donors who are helping to sustain and expand the Clinic’s work. We also are fortunate to receive continued support from foundations who believe in our mission and enable us to provide totally free healthcare to those in need. 

As we look ahead, the mission of the Order continues to be our north star. The need for accessible, high-quality healthcare continues to grow, and with the support of our dedicated community, we will rise to meet the challenge. From exploring a potential second Clinic location, to enhancing specialty services, and broadening our outreach to inform and help even more patients, we are committed to ensuring that no one goes without the care they deserve. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Whether as a volunteer, donor, or advocate, your support is a vital part of the Clinic’s success, and a major force for good. 

With deepest gratitude, 

Timothy L. McInerney, KM