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We accept all patients... uninsured and insured! We also accept Medicaid and Medicare patients. All patients are treated with dignity and respect.
 Our unique services go beyond basic care. The torch in our logo symbolizes our commitment to the highest level of excellence in our services and programs. |
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Health Care For You, Near You
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In the heart of Richmond is the Vernon J. Harris Medical Center, the flagship facility of CAHN. This facility is located in the community of Historic Church Hill. As a member of CAHN, the Vernon J. Harris Medical Center is committed to honoring the legend of the renowned Dr. Harris, by being conscientious about the health of our patients and rapid to bring the advancements in medicine to this community and the families we are honored to serve. We welcome you because we want to be your New Medical Home.
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History of Vernon J. Harris
Vernon J. Harris was born in 1894, the fifth
child of Joseph Jackson and Martha Mannis Harris.
They lived in the Village of Seven Pines, Virginia.
Joseph Harris was a farmer and lay preacher.
Vernon’s parents moved the family to the 1300 block
of 32nd Street. He attended George Mason Elementary
and graduated from Armstrong High School in
Richmond, Virginia. He attended Virginia Union
University and received his M.D. Degree from Howard
University Medical School. In 1926, after serving a
residency at Howard’s Freedman’s Hospital, he
returned to Richmond to take the Virginia State
Medical Board exam. Dr. Harris opened his first
practice at 1105 North 29th Street and later
opened an office building around the corner at 2906
Q Street where he remained until his death.
In 1925, Dr. Harris married the former Beatrice
Virginia Robinson. To this union two children were
born: Vernon, Jr. and Gladys Eloise Harris. Beatrice
R. Harris died in January 1928. In 1930, Dr. Harris
married the former Jean Louise Pace. To this union,
two daughters were born: Jean Louise Harris and
Diane Elaine Harris.
Dr. Harris was a "work-a-holic" who took no vacation
or holidays. His patients came before all else. He
carried his “little black bag” with him even on
social and family occasions. His family lived
upstairs over the office for many years, which made
it convenient for his practice. His office hours
were 8:00 am — 10:00 am; 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm; and 6:00 pm —
8:00 pm daily including Saturday and Sunday. Between
his office hours he managed to eat meals and make
house calls. Seldom did he get out of his office
before 11:00 pm, but never complained. Unable to
afford an automobile in the early years of his
practice, he frequently walked, resulting in his
patients calling him “the walking doctor.”
Dr. Harris never refused service to any patient
regardless of race, area of residence or financial
ability to pay. He also did institutional work and
Selective Service exams for the military during
World War II. Just about all (if not all) the babies
he delivered were delivered at home, as black
doctors did not have attending privileges at the
white hospitals. In addition, his patients did not
have insurance coverage and could not afford
hospital costs. It was not uncommon for him to spend
all night sitting at an expectant mother’s bedside
waiting for a newborn.
The depression and early war years were financially difficult, and the post war years left a
lot to be desired for the majority of his patients
as to job opportunities and decent pay. As a result,
patients frequently paid for his services with
chickens, eggs, homegrown vegetables, etc. Sometimes
he never received payment, even for deliveries, but
his family always had food on the table.
Being conscientious about the health of the patients
and rapid advances in medicine, Dr. Harris
constantly read medical journals, and when St.
Phillips Hospital initiated its continued
educational program for doctors, he was one of the
first to apply and be accepted. He as also civically
responsible, taking time to attend occasional
community meetings to support or oppose proposed
neighborhood changes.
In June 1965, Dr. Harris died at the age of 69 after completing his morning
rounds. His children became professionals. Vernon,
Jr. graduated from Catholic University in Washington
D.C. as an Electrical Engineer and worked for
General Electric in the Aerospace Business until his
retirement in 1988. Gladys received her Master’s
Degree in Psychology from Howard University and
worked as a psychological Social Worker at St.
Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. Jean was
the first black person to graduate from the Medical
College of Virginia. She also became the first black
cabinet member for the Governor of Virginia and
formerly served as Mayor of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Diane graduated from Howard University School of
Dentistry, was the first black female dentist to
practice in Richmond and at the time was only the
second in the State of Virginia. She also supervised
senior dental students at the Harris Dental Clinic
for several years and was part-time clinical
instructor at the Medical College of Virginia School
of Dentistry.
Dr. Harris’ progeny includes 12 grandchildren; 11
great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. |
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 Vernon J. Harris Medical Center
719 N. 25th Street
Richmond, VA 23223
Tel. 804.780.0840
Fax. 804.780.0862 |
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