GBCHC Historical Timeline

1997

Dr. Gary Burnstein became the original volunteer at what later became the Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic (GBCHC), when he began seeing patients at a homeless shelter in the Pontiac area.  The shelter had sent hundreds of letters, to area physicians, requesting healthcare services for the homeless who frequented the shelter. Dr. Burnstein was the only one who responded. 

2002

Inspired by his volunteer experience Dr. Burnstein files articles of incorporation for a free healthcare clinic to serve the uninsured. By April he secured the non-profit designation needed to move forward with a new clinic.

2003

Dr. Burnstein became ill and had to put his plan on hold. Unfortunately, in September of 2003 Dr. Burnstein passed away before he could realize his dream. However, the work he had started was continued by Dr. Yerkey who volunteered at the shelter for over a year and Dr. Kathy Pitus who provided services to the shelter for the next four years.

2004

Dana assumed the position of GBCHC, CEO. She volunteered her time. Her children helped when they could, but both had young families and jobs and their time was limited.  However, they all pulled together.  Dana said, “It was a labor of love.”

2004

Acknowledging the value and importance of the free medical services Dr. Burnstein had initiated, the leadership of the Kensington Community Church in Pontiac approached Mrs. Dana Burnstein and her adult children, Ian Burnstein and Lori Burnstein Taylor. They urged the family to continue with Dr. Burnstein’s plan and they did. With assistance from the church which raised $500,000 and provided materials and labor a portion of the old Pontiac Rescue Mission, on University Dr. in Pontiac, was repurposed to create the free clinic that Dr. Burnstein had envisioned.  In October of 2004 Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic opened its doors for the first time and was able to provide expanded healthcare services for the homeless.

2005

A fire causes the Clinic to relocate temporarily to Grace Gospel Fellowship Church. The Clinic reopened at the Pontiac Rescue Mission location after restoration was completed in December of 2005.

2006

Brian Harris is hired as the first Executive Director. The Clinic capacity expands. Ian Burnstein and Lori Taylor Burnstein join the board of directors. GBCHC makes services available to all uninsured residents of Oakland County.

2008

Pam Haratsis is hired as Executive Director.

2011

Dr. Justin Brox begins volunteering at the Clinic and becomes Director of Clinic Operations.

2012

Dana Burnstein begins seeking support to purchase a building to serve as a permanent location for GBCHC.  She is introduced to the Robert S. Peterson Family Foundation and later that year, with support from the Foundation, Pam Haratsis and Dr. Brox find and purchase the building that is now the current home of GBCHC.

2013

The newly acquired building was the site of the closed Pontiac Branch of the Detroit Ball Bearing. Co. of Michigan. GBCHC raised an additional 1 million dollars to transform the vacant factory into a state of the art healthcare facility.

2014

Renovations to the building begin.  The building is named the Robert S. Peterson Building.

2015

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015 GBCHC moves into the newly renovated building. The new Clinic, offers 7,000 square feet of space, 3 dental operatories, 7 medical examination rooms, and a full pharmacy.  Services are made available to all uninsured, low-income Michigan residents ages 18-64.

2015

Pam Haratsis resigns to move out of state; Justin Brox is named CEO and Executive Director.  Dana Burnstein remains on the board of directors and assumes Emeritus title.

2020

The COVID-19 shut-down temporarily closes dental operations and moves most medical appointments to telemedicine.  Thanks to dedicated staff and nurse volunteers, patients are contacted and care continues.

2021

Despite COVID-19, the Clinic experiences a year of growth, adding 2 dental operatories (for a total of 5) and receives a grant to expand behavioral health services and a 3-year grant to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and education.

2021

GBCHC was honored to receive the American Nurses Association-Michigan (ANA-MI) 2020 Innovation Award in recognition of GBCHC’s nursing team for their innovative approach to improving nursing and patient outcomes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured left to right front row, Valerie Stern, R.N., Deborah Teasdle, R.N., and Andrea Hammond, R.N.

Back row left to right, Dr. Justin Brox, CEO, GBCHC, Barbara Hesse, R.N., Ernest Grant, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, ANA President.