The Mission of Mercy Free Clinic: An Annual Pittsburgh Tradition
The Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh's annual free clinic celebrated yet another successful year, marking the event with a staggering turnout. This year's first day drew a near-record attendance, almost matching the previous year's two-day total in just one day. Held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the event was a testament to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and medical professionals dedicated to providing essential health services at no cost to attendees.
A Legacy of Service: From Humble Beginnings to Large-Scale Impact
The journey of the Mission of Mercy clinic began in 2017 at the former A.J. Palumbo Center on Duquesne University's campus, where it served 667 people during its inaugural year. Since then, the clinic has grown exponentially, thanks to the commitment and hard work of nearly 2,000 volunteers and over 200 medical professionals participating annually. In the previous year, the clinic served 1,676 individuals over two days, a testament to its growth and the community's increasing needs.
Volunteer Heroes: The Backbone of the Clinic
Keith Young, a board member and the administrative director of the event, attributes the success of the clinic to its volunteers. "It takes a whole army to make this work," Young commented, emphasizing the collective effort required to serve the community effectively.
One of the clinic's founding members, Richard Celko, the chief dental officer for UPMC Health Plan, has been a driving force since the beginning. Inspired by a desire to help after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Celko's involvement has been personally and professionally fulfilling. "I get more out of it than I give," he reflects, highlighting the intrinsic rewards that volunteering brings.
Karen Gearhart, a retired nurse from Moon Township, has been volunteering for three years in the hospitality section — a crucial role that ensures other volunteers are fed and energized. Her continued participation is fueled by the community spirit and the sheer impact of the event. "It gives you the chills to know that such a good thing is being done," she shares.
New Faces, New Aspirations: The Next Generation of Volunteers
The event also attracts new volunteers, like 19-year-old Sydney Nguyen from Murrysville, who aspires to become a pediatric dentist. Despite a challenging travel schedule, Nguyen's commitment to volunteerism exemplifies the dedication shared by many young people eager to make a difference. Her role involves helping younger patients feel at ease, proving that even newcomers can play significant parts in the clinic's operations.
Comprehensive Care: A Multitude of Services Offered
At the heart of the clinic's operations lies its diverse range of services. Patients received dental, vision, and hearing care, helping address immediate healthcare needs and enhancing their quality of life. Volunteers, like Nguyen, witnessed firsthand the gratitude expressed by patients, an experience she describes as "magical."
Each year, the event requires approximately eight months of planning, followed by days of setup at the convention center. For the volunteers, every moment spent is a labor of love, defined by its capacity to change lives. As Celko puts it, helping someone with a new pair of glasses and seeing their lives transformed is the ultimate reward.
Community and Beyond: The Broader Impact
The clinic's impact extends beyond healthcare, touching lives throughout the community. Rocky Bleier, a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and Vietnam War veteran, serves as a spokesperson for the clinic. His involvement underscores the clinic's importance for both veterans and the broader community.
Upholding Core Values: Dignity and Respect for All
Central to the clinic's operation are the values of dignity and respect, as emphasized by both Young and Celko. Regardless of background, every patient is treated with the utmost care and consideration, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.
Despite reaching daily capacity shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, the clinic continued to welcome those in need the following day. Such overwhelming interest illustrates the vital role the Mission of Mercy clinic plays in addressing healthcare access in the Pittsburgh area.
As the clinic concludes another successful year, the stories of dedicated volunteers and grateful patients continue to inspire and reaffirm the importance of community-driven healthcare initiatives. The Mission of Mercy clinic is more than an event; it is a testament to the power of collective compassion and civic responsibility.
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