McKee’s 3-Bed Urgent Care Facility Should Not Be Named Homer G. Phillips
Last week it came out that Northside Regeneration developer Paul McKee wants to name his future 3-bed urgent care facility, being built on part of the former Pruiit-Igoe housing project site, after the historic Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Many were not happy about this.
When the hospital was first dedicated in February 1937 it was known as City Hospital #2, replacing an older City Hospital #2. City Hospital #1 didn’t serve African-Americans.
In 1942 it was renamed after the man who fought to get it built:
Homer Garland Phillips (1878–1931) was a black lawyer in St. Louis who was born in Sedalia, Missouri. Son of a Minister he was orphaned at birth and raised by his aunt. He is mostly known as a Republican political figure in St. Louis and is known for being the person who was tasked with securing $1 million to constructing a new hospital for African Americans on the city’s North Side called Homer G. Phillips Hospital. (Wikipedia)
It was closed by Mayor Schoemehl in 1979, after running on a pledge to keep it open. Four decades later the name “Homer G. Phillips” is synonymous with the historic hospital and The Ville neighborhood where it was located. It is also a man’s name.
At every turn Paul McKee has managed to make poor decisions.
Could you imagine McKee proposing a baseball field named Stan Musial Field without getting permission from Musial’s family? Of course not. Ok, Phillips has been deceased a lot longer than Musial, but respect for someone’s name doesn’t expire.
McKee needs to find a new name for his 3-bed urgent care facility at the former Pruitt-Igoe!
This got me thinking about healthcare facilities during the Pruitt-Igoe era. The 1974 Final Environmental Impact report offered the two options:
Pruitt-Igoe Medical Action Center, 2407 O’Fallon.
Offered medical treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, a weight reduction program, prenatal care and limited gynecological care. This facility, funded by Model City Agency, served Pruitt-Igoe residents almost exclusively, was closed during the relocation of Pruitt-Igoe tenants.
Jefferson Municipal Health Center, 1421 Jefferson.
Offers comprehensive child health care, prenatal classes, obstetrics and family planning, X-Rays and TB treatment. The boundaries of this facility, operated by the Health Division of the City of St. Louis, extend beyond the Pruitt-Igoe area. Service is still being provided to residents of the area.
Neither was located within the Pruitt-Igoe site, but east & west, respectively. The city eventually closed the second and the site became the headquarters for the St. Louis Fire Department.
McKee must be thinking that because Homer G. Philips Hospital was so important to St. Louis’ black community that taking that name will suddenly make his 3-bed urgent care as important. Sorry Paul, it doesn’t work that way. How about Rich White Suburbanite Trying To Woo Black Supporters By Appropriating The Name Of A Beloved Institution Urgent Care? Yes, too long — but very appropriate!
Even if McKee’s planned larger teaching hospital should eventually open it shouldn’t be named Homer G. Phillips. To learn more about the Homer G. Phillips Hospital check out The Color of Medicine documentary.
— Steve Patterson