By BRANDON LaCHANCE

Staff writer

MENDOTA – The passing of Dr. Mary Chinn on Nov. 12 has affected many in the Mendota community.

Of course, her husband of 32 years, Bob Chinn, their five children, the dance group Ballet Folklorico de Colores (which Mary was part of), and the staff and patients of her clinic, Mary M Chinn MD, FAAFP located at 1404 Washington St. in Mendota.

Without Dr. Chinn, the clinic is doctor-less and Bob Chinn fears it may be closed by the owners, Order of St. Francis (OSF), to consolidate all Mendota patients to the OSF Saint Paul Medical Center.

The clinic is currently open to help make sure patients are getting their prescriptions and a nurse practitioner is available.

“That office is one of the most efficient operations they have in this area of OSF. Her staff and her saw a high number of patients daily,” Bob Chinn said. “OSF is talking about shutting it down and moving the patient base to the hospital.

“The reason I’m making such a big noise about this is because it wasn’t just about Mary. The office staff is an eight-person team that has been working closely together for some time. They’ve set up a system that has worked very, very well for patients. It’s a family practice where there are bonds and relationships formed between the staff and the patients.”

Bob Chinn met with OSF representatives on Dec. 8 to talk about his concerns and what the plans are for the clinic. No decisions have been made as all options are being viewed and discussed.

“I’ve spoken with Mary’s staff and they’d like to have a new doctor come to the clinic and work together in the environment they’ve created there,” Bob Chinn said. “It would be ideal for OSF, Mary’s staff, and the patients because of location. To me, it doesn’t make sense for them to close the clinic.”

Location and transportation are the top priorities for supporters of the Mary M Chinn MD, FAAFP remaining a serviceable facility.

The 1404 Washington St. location is within walking distance for many of its clientele.

“I’m most concerned about the issue of transportation. Dr. Chinn’s clinic is located right by the high rise and the senior citizens,” said Kim Abel, who is a co-director of Nightengales Inc., a non-profit store in support of the Trinity Healthcare Clinic of Mendota. “I know we have Mendota Area Senior Services, but it’s back and forth from hospitals for labs and doctor visits. The clinic’s location is so convenient and it’s a little oasis for the good old time doctor thing.

“The clinic has been there for 60 years through a few generations of different doctors. It’s a part of us. It’s part of Mendota. Transportation for Mendota and throughout LaSalle County is an ongoing discussion and a serious problem. This clinic is by its patients, which is walking distance for them. It’s not miles outside of town.”

Abel and others began handing out petitions to save the clinic. The support was overwhelming.

“We started a petition Monday, Nov. 27 and within one day we had over 100 signatures,” Abel said. “We had people coming to us saying they wanted to take petitions to Earlville and other places. Many people are reaching out and want to save the clinic.

“It’s just so unique and special, and she was, too. It would be wonderful to keep the clinic. Again, the bottom line is transportation. It isn’t going to change in a rural area. The clinic is very doable for people since it’s within a block of the high rise and two blocks from the senior citizen housing. It’s a wonderful location for people who don’t have transportation. Plus, there are people from Earlville and other places who drive there, so it’s not limited to those who are close either.

“I used to work with Dr. Chinn at the hospital in Peru where she delivered babies. I have nothing but respect and admiration for her and her whole life story. She’s just a wonderful, wonderful role model for a lot of people. The clinic needs to be there.”