Sr. Mary Kay Meagher: Unveiling the Roots of OneWorld Community Health Centers

by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA

One might think of OneWorld as a product of the early 2000’s, but its origins stretch back to 1970. In a revealing interview with Sr. Mary Kay Meagher, the former executive director sheds light on the history of what was once known as the Indian-Chicano Health Center.

Sr. Mary Kay acknowledges the contributions of those who laid the groundwork for OneWorld’s success. It is a testament to the power of volunteerism, community-driven initiatives, and the enduring legacy of service to our sisters and brothers without access to basic services.

“Understanding the center’s history is essential,” Sr. Mary Kay concludes. “It speaks to our collective commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and serving those in need. I want people to understand that OneWorld didn’t just emerge in 2003. The Indian-Chicano Health Center, the precursor to OneWorld, was nurtured into existence by the Lutheran church, specifically the Gethsemane congregation and Rev. Navarro, a dedicated pastor who recognized the community’s needs.”

In the 1970s, originated and supported by the Gethsemane church, the Indian-Chicano Health Center had established a food pantry, crisis aid, and later began a small, walk-in evening dental clinic. Shortly after, a medical clinic was added. Clinic space was provided in the parsonage of Gethsemane Lutheran Church at 20^th and Castelar. Services rendered provided dental and medical screenings. It was staffed by volunteers, the heart of its operations.  Volunteers included local physicians and dentists with students from Creighton University’s dental and nursing schools.

As demand grew, so did the clinic’s services, as well as the need for physical space.

The clinic was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973, and in 1974 received their first United Way funding.  Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries (now Lutheran Family Services) purchased and renovated a storefront on 2702 S. 20^th Street in 1979. This facility had four exam rooms, a waiting room, and a kitchen.  This marked a significant milestone. A three-person volunteer staff served in community outreach, translation, and transportation.

By the beginning of 1990, the Board of Directors (still Lutheran Family Services) decided it was time to move and become a freestanding organization with its own full-time, on site, salaried Executive Director. As it turns out, Sr. Mary Kay Meagher, Family Nurse Practitioner, was in search of a position working with the Hispanic population.  She started at the Indian-Chicano Center in 1990 and was named Executive Director.  Sr. Mary Kay said, “It was one of the most exciting five years of ministry and service. When I was asked by the head of Lutheran Family Services if I thought I could do this job, I immediately said, ‘I KNOW I can do this!”

The early years as executive director was a whirlwind of activity for Sr. Mary Kay. With a background in clinical work, she brought a wealth of experience and passion to the role. She immediately set out to professionalize the organization, establishing protocols, licensing, and quality control measures.

The Indian Chicano Health Center services expanded rapidly under Sr. Mary Kay’s leadership. From medical examinations to prenatal care and pediatric services, the organization became a lifeline for many in the community who lacked access to healthcare.

Sr. Mary Kay collaborated with professors from both Creighton Medical School and UNMC, urging them to involve their students in practicing at the Indian-Chicano clinic under the auspice of the professors. Creighton University expressed interest in sending their OBGYN students, leading to the establishment of an afternoon clinic dedicated to pregnant women. In addition, Dr. Kristine McVea from UNMC engaged her family practice medical students in the initiative (Dr. McVea eventually served as the Chief Medical Director from 1997-2023, making OneWorld’s patient outcomes stand among the best in the nation).

“While we attended to adults and pregnant women, my strongest background lies in pediatrics. Consequently, I initiated a children’s clinic twice a week. Balancing administration and clinical duties, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience and witnessing significant progress and growth in numbers,” said Sr. Mary Kay.

Sr. Mary Kay’s primary objective was to enhance the quality of care for every patient. She expressed, “Regardless of one’s financial status, those in need deserve and are entitled to high-quality care. Even within limitations, I wanted everyone to be provided with excellent treatment.”

Sr. Mary Kay also saw the need to strengthen and expand the Board of Directors and was very active in recruiting new board members.  In addition to board expansion, Sr. Mary Kay expressed the need to hire more staff.  Eventually she was able to hire the first paid nurse practitioner, a transportation person, and other staff.

Sr. Mary Kay navigated through staffing shortages, financial constraints, and the need for better facilities. With a keen eye for detail, she ensured that even the smallest aspects of patient care were handled with professionalism and care.

Sr. Mary Kay’s advocacy attracted attention and support from various areas. She engaged with the community, built strong relationships with donors and partners, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the Indian-Chicano Health Center’s mission.

The organization’s growth necessitated a move to a larger facility on 24th Street in 1994. This move was important to the Indian-Chicano Health Center journey, providing better accessibility, upgraded equipment, and expanded services.

In 1995, Sr. Mary Kay was ready to pursue her next adventure as a missionary in Bolivia.  Although it was very difficult to leave the Indian-Chicano Center, Sr. Mary Kay said, “I needed to get out of the way so my position could grow into what it needed to be: a full time Director. I felt secure leaving with staff level of care provision. The embodiment of the mission in each staff member, a strong identification of the mission and a very devoted and guiding Boad I knew everything would be taken care of and leadership would do what was necessary to move things forward.”

Before Sr. Mary Kay left, there were conversations about changing the name of the Indian-Chicano center.  Although the name was deeply embedded in the community, the name wasn’t representative of all cultures served.  In 2004, the Indian-Chicano Health Center was renamed OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc. to better reflect the changing patient base.

Throughout the years, Sr. Mary remained deeply committed to OneWorld’s mission of providing quality healthcare to all, regardless of their financial status. When Sr. Mary Kay returned from Bolivia, she began teaching at Creighton University and worked in various clinics, including OneWorld. Upon her retirement from Creighton University, her desire to continue part-time work led her straight to OneWorld. There, she participated and was engaged in establishing school-based health clinics and played a pivotal role in the initiation of Psychiatric Health services in schools.

Sr. MaryKay’s story with OneWorld is a testament to the power of compassion, perseverance, and community spirit in transforming lives and building a healthier, more equitable society.