Free Health Clinic Delivers Essential Services in Pittsburgh
The annual Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh clinic is set to provide vital health services this weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. On October 24 and 25, 2023, the two-day event will offer free dental, vision, and hearing care on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearly 200 volunteers, including dentists, clinicians, and nurses, will deliver these essential services at no cost to attendees.
Organized by the nonprofit A Call to Care, the clinic aims to address the health care access gaps faced by individuals without insurance or those lacking coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services. These services are frequently excluded from traditional health insurance plans. Daniel Pituch, co-founder of the clinic and chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at UPMC Mercy and UPMC Shadyside, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “This year’s clinic will once again help those individuals who suffer in pain because of lack of insurance or financial hardship.”
Doors will open at 6 a.m. each day and will close once capacity is reached. The range of services provided will include dental care such as exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and pediatric dentistry. Vision services will encompass eye exams and fittings for free prescription eyeglasses, while hearing support will include screenings and fittings for free hearing aids.
Last year’s clinic saw significant demand, with 552 eyeglasses and 586 hearing aids distributed, alongside nearly 9,380 dental procedures performed. Organizers noted that over one-third of patients reported dental pain, some of whom had endured it for more than a year. Research indicates that oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, as poor dental hygiene can elevate risks for conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Although approximately 60% of last year’s patients were uninsured, the clinic imposes no income, insurance, or eligibility requirements for treatment. Keith Young, a board member of the Mission of Mercy, shared insights into the challenges some patients face. “It’s folks that are making the decision between, ‘Do I pay the rent? Do I feed the kids? Or do I get dental care?’” he explained. Many individuals may have insurance but cannot afford the associated co-pays.
Once the clinic reaches its daily capacity, individuals will be turned away at the door. To assist those unable to receive treatment, the clinic partners with Catholic Charities, which connects patients to free or heavily discounted health care services. Last year, around 400 people benefited from this support system.
Since its inception in 2017, the Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh clinic has expanded significantly. The first clinic treated approximately 670 patients, while last year’s event served 1,676 patients. The value of services provided in 2022 was estimated at $2.37 million, made possible through the efforts of nearly 2,000 volunteers. For many attendees, this clinic represents their only interaction with health care throughout the year. Some patients have not visited a dentist in decades.
“Here, patients find relief and dignity,” remarked Richard Celko, chief dental officer at UPMC Health Plan. “Dental teams restore oral health. Vision and hearing screenings restore quality of life. Most importantly, patients feel like someone cares about them and that they matter.” The clinic stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.
