New services revitalize former Fairview site

Walk-ins welcome at Bluecrescent Urgent Care; Minnesota Care Counseling offers support

Dr. Abdulqadir Ahmed (at left) and family nurse practitioner Khandra Muse staff the newly opened Bluecrescent Urgent Care at 3809 42nd Ave. S. (Photo submitted)

The Bluecrescent lobby, above, and clinic was officially recognized during a ribbon-cutting on May 17 that was attended by Mayor Jacob Frey. (Photo submitted)

Housing Case Manager Omar Abdi (left) and receptionist Nafiso Ahmed foster a community drop-in space to ensure all individuals have access to mental health support from peers and counselors. (Photo submitted)

Minnesota Care Counseling Services is now open.

Posted Wednesday, July 26, 2023 9:55 pm

Minnesota Care Counseling Services aims to uplift

A knock on the door at Minnesota Care Counseling signals a need. Rashid Hassan and Nafiso Ahmed, a receptionist plus, strive to offer timely help as well as refer clients to appropriate services from housing to employment to mental health to opioid recovery and much more.

The first Minnesota Care Counseling Services, inspiration of Mohamed Hussein, was completed in 2013. At the second MCC, the work continues.

Those who appear at the door on the south side of the building likely learned about MCC from Snapchat, Facebook, referrals from non-profits, word of mouth and other sources. Inside the clinic they find a spacious and sunny room where bowls of snacks are replenished, lunch appears and coffee is always hot. Already in place: a small kitchen and a room where the weary can nap. A pool table, piano, TV and comfy seating areas create a welcoming space. On the opposite side, seven offices are filling up.

On one day, 20 people in need arrived for information or services. The staff hopes that the number will grow as more offerings are added: newly-hired and skilled staff is on board; soon Alcoholics Anonymous will hold meetings; a group for people leaving opioids behind is in progress.

Today housing is the primary issue. Currently those in need are referred to the original Minnesota Care Counseling, located in Northeast Minneapolis since 2013, or to Minnesota Council of Churches. Families are directed to Mary’s Place downtown.

A homeless woman appeared at MCC after her shopping cart and essentials were stolen as she slept outside. The woman was connected with a housing coordinator, but had lost all her “essentials.”

“We were able to provide those essentials right away,” said Nafiso, noting that big-box stores donate items, as well. “The woman returned to thank us.”

Rashid Hassan worked at MCC in Northeast Minneapolis, where he trained in the field of mental health and also worked as a mental health advocate. He’s focused on increasing the number of those looking for assistance at the new address.

“We’re committed to serving our clients in the best possible way as we collect more ideas to help them,” he said. “Many of them are from East Africa. Some of them now live in the suburbs and others live near Franklin Avenue.”

Rashid points to the ceiling. “We hope to expand,” he said, envisioning space for more services.

As a transplant from Nashville, he found Minneapolis friendly and the snow, abundant. When he learned that Dr. Ahmed of Bluecrescent Urgent Care practices at the front of the building had also moved to Minneapolis after growing up in Tennessee, he said, “Really? I think I’ll go meet him.”

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (Enter at the back on the south side.) Phone: 612-223-8930.

By Jane St. Anthony

Every day at Bluecrescent Urgent Care (3809 42nd Ave. S.) promises a variety of medical issues: a delivery man with a painful sliver in his thumb, the woman en route to the airport who suspects that she has an IUD infection, a child with croup, a child with a large abscess.

Six glittering exam rooms await patients – walk-ins as well as those with appointments.

When the clinic opened in May, staff was primed to deal with bronchitis and upper respiratory issues, gastric reflux, abdominal pain and stomach concerns including H. pylori, as well as nausea, fever, rashes, wounds and a litany of other issues that patients present. Sexually transmitted infections and treatment are addressed. Pregnancy testing, EKGs and IV vitamin infusions are available. Labs are picked up daily.

That’s the short list of issues that are non-life-threatening but need attention.

On May 17, 2023, Dr. Abdulqadir Ahmed and staff welcomed guests to the clinic’s celebratory opening. It is located in the former Fairview Clinic building at the southeast corner of 42nd and 38th. The large turnout was rewarding. Mayor Jacob Frey attended. Amidst the balloons, the mayor stressed the importance of small businesses and investing in them.

“We sent out invitations, yet I had no idea that he would be here,” said Aisha Hassan, RN and clinic administrator. “But the mayor is invested in the importance of small businesses in the community.”

Before and after the opening, Hassan and Khadra Muse, family nurse practitioner, noted that their predictions regarding client numbers have proved higher than imagined and more patients are arriving.

Another boon: The clinic takes a load off of emergency rooms by treating patients in-house.

“There are a lot of reasons to go to ER, but 80 percent of those in ER don’t need to be in a hospital,” said Muse. “Many people have a condition that isn’t acute, such as food poisoning. It’s more practical to come here first if it isn’t an emergency.”

If a patient is without health insurance, the flat fee for a visit is $125. Otherwise, clients are billed through their health system.

Bluecrescent was envisioned by Dr. Ahmed, clinic founder and infectious disease specialist who recently practiced at North Memorial Health. A resident of the Longfellow neighborhood, he expresses gratitude for the support he’s received from that community and others.

“People call the clinic, asking whether they should come in regarding their issue,” he said. “We know when to refer a patient to a larger facility for triage and other needs. Triage determines which problems are the most serious and should be dealt with first.

“The community is learning about us. We’re still new, but doing well. And we feel appreciated.”

Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday

Call 612-405-3554 or browse https://bluecrescentclinic.com.