NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A nurse practitioner who ran two local clinics is speaking out about why she suddenly closed them in recent weeks.
Two locations for Hope Family Medicine shut down unexpectedly, leaving patients angry and confused about how to get their medical records.
The woman in charge of those clinics, April Collier, said after devoting herself to the wellness of the community she became ill herself and the dream quickly turned into a nightmare.
"Last night I went to Target to get chocolate milk, and we had no money. Our debit cards were overdrawn, and that's ridiculous because we both have MBAs. Granted, I can get a job but not when I'm facing six weeks of IV therapy to clear the black mold out of my system," Collier said.
Collier set off a frenzy among her patients after abruptly closing her clinics in Donelson and Antioch. Patients called Channel 4 News wondering what to do about retrieving their vital medical records.
Collier said that problem has been fixed, but she said another has now surfaced after it loomed for several years.
After the 2010 flood, she said an ill-repaired roof at her home created a black mold problem. She was getting sicker and sicker and didn't know why, but the house was tested and there were high levels of black mold.
"The tests of our house showed dampness in my bedroom, behind the wall, between the brick and showed it all in the attic and ceilings," Collier said.
The mother of two watched as her life began a downward spiral. Too sick to get out of bed, Collier ended up closing her Donelson clinic most days and said there was mold in that building as well.
Then, continuing poor health and financial difficulties forced the closing of the Antioch clinic on Murfreesboro Pike.
Now, Collier said doctors are looking at a mass on her ovaries that could be cancer, and she hopes her patients understand that she had to do what was best.
"I want to come back, but I can't promise that. I just want to live right now. I want to get healthy," she said.
Collier is staying in a hotel these days and said she hopes to go to Florida soon for more specialized treatment for the black mold in her system.
As for her patients, Collier said she has made arrangements for them to pick up copies of some of their medical records by visiting the Antioch clinic.
Copyright WSMV 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
