Compassionate Rural Healthcare • Osteopathic Primary Care • Community-Focused Nonprofit Care
Whole-Person Care Rooted in Community
Since 1999, Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center (EOPCC) has remained committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare to the Emmitsburg community and surrounding rural areas. Founded on the principles of osteopathic medicine and nonprofit service, EOPCC was created to ensure that quality healthcare remained accessible, personal, and community focused.
As a nonprofit rural healthcare organization, EOPCC has continuously worked to serve patients with kindness, dignity, and respect — including the uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved. Through decades of dedication, volunteerism, medical education, and community support, EOPCC has grown into more than a medical practice; it has become a lasting part of the community it serves.
Our History: A Community Vision Since 1999
The story of Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center is one built on perseverance, compassion, education, volunteerism, and an unwavering commitment to rural healthcare. Founded by women determined to improve both themselves and their community, EOPCC has remained grounded in service since its beginning.
Founding the Mission
In the 1980s, three women of modest means pursued higher education as a path toward both personal and community empowerment. Dr. Bonita J. Krempel-Portier pursued osteopathic medical school after fifteen years of preparatory night school. Linda Kelley-Junker completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology before earning her MBA. Rosemary McDermott became an attorney after years of service with FEMA and prior work as both an educator and academic professional.
In 1999, these three women founded Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center, Inc. with a mission centered around compassionate healthcare, education, and community service.
Establishing a Nonprofit Healthcare Center
EOPCC was officially incorporated on June 19, 1999, and received nonprofit 501(c)(3) status on February 15, 2000. Since its inception, the organization has maintained active nonprofit standing, fulfilled annual reporting obligations, and remained committed to responsible stewardship and community accountability.
The organization joined Maryland Nonprofits in 2000 and has continued to maintain an active volunteer Board of Directors in support of its nonprofit mission and operations.
Building a Permanent Home in Emmitsburg
As EOPCC continued to grow, the organization searched for a permanent home within the Emmitsburg community. In 2001, EOPCC purchased the historic properties located at 121–123 West Main Street in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Portions of the buildings date back to 1790 and 1885.
The renovation and restoration process became a major community effort involving volunteers, architects, tradesmen, board members, and supporters who believed deeply in the mission of rural healthcare access.
Despite construction delays, permitting challenges, rising costs, and numerous project obstacles, EOPCC remained committed to preserving both the historic integrity of the property and the future of community healthcare in Emmitsburg.
On December 27, 2005, EOPCC officially opened its permanent Emmitsburg location.
Community Impact
Since opening its doors, EOPCC has remained dedicated to serving patients with compassion regardless of financial hardship. Throughout its history, the organization has provided care for uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved patients while continuing to participate with numerous insurance programs and medical assistance plans.
In addition to primary care services, EOPCC has worked to improve healthcare access close to home by offering laboratory services, preventative care, chronic disease management, patient education, and community-based healthcare support.
EOPCC’s mission has always extended beyond healthcare alone — focusing on preserving dignity, improving access, and strengthening the wellbeing of the surrounding rural community.
Medical Education & Training
From its inception, EOPCC has remained committed to educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals. Over the years, the organization has partnered with osteopathic medical schools, nursing programs, universities, and medical assistant programs to provide clinical education opportunities and hands-on healthcare experience.
EOPCC has served as a training and rotation site for osteopathic medical students, nurse practitioner students, medical assistant students, and local students interested in healthcare careers. Through these efforts, EOPCC has helped support and encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals while continuing its commitment to whole-person patient care.
Preserving History While Serving the Future
The restoration of EOPCC’s Main Street property reflects the organization’s commitment not only to healthcare, but also to preserving the history and character of the Emmitsburg community. Throughout the renovation process, great care was taken to maintain historic architectural elements while adapting the buildings to support modern healthcare services.
Today, Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center continues its mission of delivering compassionate, community-centered healthcare while preserving the values upon which it was founded. As a rural nonprofit healthcare organization, EOPCC remains committed to improving healthcare access, strengthening community partnerships, supporting medical education, and ensuring quality care remains available to underserved and vulnerable populations for generations to come.