Health Core Clinic Founder Arneatha Martin 

Arneatha Martin, a visionary, believer and doer who changed Wichita for the better died on August 27 in Jacksonville, FL from Alzheimer’s Disease  Arneatha’s impact on the community were many, but she will be remembered most as the powerful force behind and initial CEO of the Center for Health and Wellness.  

In the early 60s’, after receiving substandard treatment at the County Hospital during the labor and delivery of her first child, Arneatha vowed to make it her life’s work to achieve better healthcare for the underprivileged and underserved people.

This led her to enter the health care business, first as a Phlebotomist.  She went on to complete her training for and earn certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse while fully engaged as a devoted wife and mother.  

She didn’t stop there.  In the 1970’s Arneatha enrolled at Wichita State University as a non-traditional student eventually earning both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and in 1980 her Master’s in Nursing.

If that wasn’t enough, Arneatha also served in the military, where she rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after having served in Afghanistan,

during “Operation Desert Storm” as a Psychiatric Nurse in the U.S. Army Reserve’s 410th Evacuation Hospital unit. 

Arneatha was a founding charter member of the Wichita Black Nurses Association.  Both as a member of this organization and on her own, Arneatha was an impactful community nurse.  She inspired many to enter the medical field, as well as motivating others to join her in the quest to make quality healthcare accessible in under-served areas.

This commitment, especially as it related to the Northeast Wichita community, was strong enough to ignite and empower the community to help her achieve her lifelong passion to build a healthcare center to improve the quality of medical care in the Northeast community. 

Arneatha faced opposition along the way, but she never wavered in her resolve and determination. After raising more than $2 million with local support, she and her colleagues, volunteers, and many other supporters proudly opened the Center for Health and Wellness, now HealthCore Clinic at 2707 E 21st Street N. 

Arneatha’s lifework and legacy will continue to be remembered and will be celebrated with celebration of her life and legacy on Sat., Sept. 10,1:30 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 1525 N Lorraine, Wichita,.  A wake will be held on Fri., Sept. 9, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Martin’s home church St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 1350 N. Ash, Wichita.  

The following additional information was provided by the Martin Family – her husband Dwain and daughters Regina Martin-Lynch and Cynthia Martin.  

Interment will follow immediately follow Saturday’s service at Old Mission Wichita Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3424 E 21st St N.  

Repast/Family Meal will be provided by the Martin’s Saint James family from 4 – 6 p.,. at Greater Saint Mary’s Baptist Church, 1648 E 17th St. N., Fellowship Hall.  

To arrange visits with family, share food or bring gift cards to local restaurants, etc., contact “Cousin” Cynthia Martin at 678.851.8018, or Donna Dennis Roberts at  316.214.2146. Visitors, food, or other items will be received at the Wichita Marriott, 9100 E Corporate Hills Drive, through Thurs. Sept. 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hospitality Suite. 

Also, see giveinkind.com to schedule time to share food or gift cards, “In Loving Care for the Arneatha Martin Family” 

Correspondence/Sympathy Cards can be mailed to The Martin Family at 11501 Paceys Pond Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32222 

Floral Tributes can be ordered at Tillie’s Flowers, 3701 E Harry Street, Wichita, 316.687.0630, and sent to The Jackson Mortuary prior to the Celebration of Life. Floral Tributes after the Celebration of Life, can be sent to The Martin Family at their home address, as listed above. 

An Arneatha Martin Memorial scholarship will be established at Wichita State University of Wichita, KS. Details to be provided.