North By Northeast

She listened to the voice within that told her that people couldn't wait for help that was too long in coming. She decided to send a van for those willing to make a fresh start in Portland, Oregon, and eventually relocated, clothed, fed and housed forty families.

When some of the survivors needed medical care and medications, Pastor Mary discovered that the only free clinic in her neighborhood had been closed for some time and that no local clinic offered evening hours.As she talked with her neighbors and church members, she found that many long-time community residents had no health coverage, even those who worked full time.

North by Northeast Community Health Center is the only medical clinic in Oregon devoted to African American/Black health. We exist to improve health outcomes and advance health equity by offering primary care services and health education and promotion focused on the African American/Black community.

As an organization committed to culturally-specific care focused on African American health, we have worked diligently since our founding to ensure our clinic is an affirming, safe and welcome space for African American community members. Over these years, we have established specific policies, procedures and approaches that speak to our deep valuing of racial equity.

Pastor Mary Overstreet Smith, known to millions as "Pastor Mary" and nicknamed "Hurricane Mary" for her efforts in aiding the Hurricane Katrina victims, was the founding mother of the North by Northeast Community Health Clinic. She was uninhibited in the midst of challenges and founded, among other things, the Powerhouse Church of God in Christ and Harvest Time Ministry TV Cable services.

North by Northeast Community Health Center is a non-profit organization providing welcoming, high-quality health care to OHP-covered adults. Our focus is on serving as a primary care home for the African American community in Portland. Hours of Operation: Our office is open during business hours on weekdays from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.