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Dose of festival fun helps sustain free health clinic
By Elise Franco
Youngstown
Photo
Event coordinator Brenda Mack of Canfi eld dances with J.J. Losasso, a resident of Boardman and member of Aut Mori Grotto, during the Midlothian Free Medical Clinic festival Sunday afternoon.
It’s the ability to do good for those who can’t afford health care that keeps volunteers of the Midlothian Free Medical Clinic inspired.
The group’s first health-clinic festival, which ran Saturday and Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on East Midlothian Boulevard, was another shot at raising money to keep the clinic’s efforts going, said volunteer coordinator Brenda Mack.
“We were here to raise money for our operating costs for the clinic,” Mack said. “We’re the only totally 100 percent-free health clinic between the west side of Akron and Pennsylvania.”
Mack said the organization has an annual budget of about $30,000.
She said they hoped to raise about $5,000 during the weekend’s festival, and she estimated they had raised about $2,000 by Sunday afternoon.
“Considering the things that have been going on around Youngstown in the past few days, we’re not doing too bad,” she said. “We’ll take any donation no matter how big or small.”
Mack said more than 100 people stopped by the small festival over the weekend.
She said the patrons made donations and were able to enjoy food from various vendors and participate in a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, dunking booth and children’s games. Volunteers also gave free blood-pressure screenings and tours of the clinic.
Mack said the clinic, which is run out of the South Side church and open by appointment only every first, second and fourth Thursday of the month, offers a variety of medical services, such as care from a psychologist, psychiatrist, gynecologist and primary medical physician.
“Our goal is to able to be open more often because we have so many patients,” she said.
She said no one in need of medical care is turned away, and the clinic sees about 150 patients monthly.
Dr. Tom Albani, who owns a private medical practice in Canfield, has been with the clinic since its inception in March 2008.
Dr. Albani said he donates his time because he understands the local need.
“This is why most people go into medicine,” he said. “We’re helping people in our community regardless of their ability to pay.”
Dr. Albani said the weekend’s festival, as well as all fundraisers put on by the organization, was a crucial part of the clinic’s ability to operate.
“It’s a pretty important piece of the puzzle,” he said. “Any money we collect is used to pay for medical supplies and service. ... Any money is very meaningful and helpful.”
The clinic takes donations by check mailed to Midlothian Free Medical Clinic, 388 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44507.