After practicing internal medicine for 25 years and then switching gears to become a pastor, Philip Bonaparte is returning to his mission of health with a free clinic for uninsured patients in Trenton. The first day for the clinic will be Saturday from 9 a.m. at the former Capital Health center in Trenton on Belleview Avenue with plans for additional sessions each week. Bonaparte, who is a pastor at the New Hope Church of God at its Trenton, Long Branch, and East Windsor locations, traveled on medical missions every year to places like India and Jamaica. However, he never thought that his free health help was needed as much at home. "I thought there was not a need in the U.S. until a few years ago when I was doing home visits," Bonaparte said. All patients will be treated by Bonaparte and Averil Noyan, a family nurse practitioner, as well as a group of volunteer nurses, most of whom are members of Bonaparte's church. Bonaparte said he hopes to expand his list of participating doctors and nurses for future clinics. "It's not coincidence that all of us were under one roof," Bonaparte said. The donation-funded center will treat patients ages 12 and up for routine medical services, including treatment for some conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and bladder infections. Additionally, Bonaparte vowed to pray for all of his patients as well. "I believe in not just treating the body, but the mind and spirit too," he said. Bonaparte plans on running the clinic one weekday each week, as well as one Saturday per month. A full schedule has not been set, he said. "The impact on the community can be significant," he said. Over 20 people have already made appointments. To schedule a visit for Saturday, contact Averil Noyan at 609-599-4000.
