Former Community Clinic of Joplin director Nina Brueckner, 58, is scheduled to enter a guilty plea to a misdemeanor stealing charge and be sentenced during a 1:30 p.m. July 26 hearing in Jasper County Circuit Court.
Ms. Brueckner was charged with stealing a package of t-bone steaks worth $60 and a $5.99 roll of film from Dillon's on May 7, 2004. Shortly after her arrest, she resigned as clinic director, a job she had held for six years.
She resigned ONLY to protect the clinic and patients from any negative press. The Board of Directos did not want to accept her resignation. she is a GREAT LADY who has helped thousands of poor people.
ReplyDeleteThe free clinic has not been the same without Nina Brueckner. What a loss to the community. And you are correct, she was found innocent. All charges against Ms. Brueckner were dropped after a full investigation was conducted. REMEMBER! Don't beleive everything you read in the paper. I miss working with Nina. She was the Mother Teresa of the poor.
ReplyDeleteNina Brueckner was never scheduled to enter a guilty plea in court. I attended the hearing - her attorney rendered a not guilty plea. After her case was reviewed by the prosecuting attorney of Jasper County, he dropped all charges against Nina. I have worked with Nina for 6 years and I have the greatest respect for her. I would never doubt her integrity. It is a pity that a really fine civic leader like Nina was trashed by the media for something she did not do. Everyone she helped at the free clinic will always remember what an outstanding person she is and all she has done to help the poor, homeless, and less fortunate in our community. Nina if you read this - we love you!
ReplyDeleteI worked with Nina Brueckner as a fellow nurse for years. I served under her supervision at the Community Clinic of Joplin. She is an extraordinary RN and extremely integrity minded and fair. All charges against Nina were dropped. This whole mess was a tragic day for Joplin Missouri and our only free clinic. Nina, if you ever read this....so many people love and support you. You should never have resigned to protect The Clinic. The Clinic has never been the same without your leadership, vision, skills, and compassion. I know everyone there misses you terribly and knows you were the individual that The Clinic such an amazing place for the poor to receive medical, dental care, lab testing, and medications all Free of Charge! Also the Clinic was such an extraordinary place to volunteer as a health professional like myself.
ReplyDeleteSubmitted by Carol Wolfslagger RN - St. Louis Missouri (formally of Joplin Mo.)