[1] She participated in many different societies, and is credited as the first African American to obtain a doctorate from the University of Florida's College of Education.
[6] Today, the original building of the Mercy Hospital and the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center oversee between 130 and 150 patients daily with or without health insurance, attributed by the civil rights activist Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke and the Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc.[6] St. Petersburg College honors Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke's outstanding accomplishments by awarding the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Scholarship to students graduating from Pinellas County high schools.
[3] This scholarship aims to support underprivileged students who meet the eligibility requirements and will accommodate each recipient for two consecutive years attending St. Petersburg College.
[3] Throughout their collegiate years, each recipient will also be allowed to work with mentors from the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Chapter of the National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA).
The foundation was intended to tackle all aspects of the problem of sickle-cell disease including raising awareness, treatment, and research.