HUNDREDS OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND REGULAR VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR MISSION OF MERCY COMING OCT. 24-25.

Volunteers are needed for Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh‘s annual two-day clinic providing free dental, vision and hearing services on Oct. 24 – 25 at Downtown’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The volunteer-based clinic requests dentists, clinicians, opticians, ophthalmologists, nurses, imaging technicians and general volunteers, emphasizing a particular need for dental professionals, to provide services to those who do not have regular access to this care. At the 2024 Mission of Mercy event, 1,978 volunteers provided more than 10,000 procedures and exams to nearly 2,000 patients, totaling to more than $2 million worth of procedures performed.

“It is absolutely amazing for our volunteers to be able to relieve their patients’ pain or allow them to hear better or get eyeglasses to see more clearly,” Keith Young, administrative director and board member of Mission of Mercy, said in a statement. “It is a very special feeling for volunteers when they assist someone who needs help in order to positively impact their health.”

Of last year’s patients, 33% reported that they had been experiencing dental pain for more than a year and 58% said they did not have insurance.

Dental care is critical for maintaining overall health, as the mouth is a hotspot for germs and a window to the digestive tract and respiratory system. The clinic offers dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and root canal treatments for those in need.

Mission of Mercy officials explained that the number of dental volunteers directly impacts the number of patients they are able to help at the event. In exchange for their time, dentists, dental hygienists and certified dental assistants can receive up to three hours of continuing education credits for their volunteer work.

General volunteers are also needed to assist with hospitality, event check-in, administrative tasks, set up, break down and more. No experience is required to register as a general volunteer, and meals will be provided during the shift.

Mission of Mercy operates as the signature program of A Call to Care, a nonprofit providing health improving services to those in need. They began the free health clinic in 2017, and they have since provided $9.2 million worth of services to 8,941 patients.

Beyond exams and procedures, Mission of Mercy additionally offers free eyeglasses and hearing aids during the two-day clinic.

The event is open to children and adults who lack access to regular dental, health and vision care – no income or eligibility requirements necessary. The doors will open at 6 a.m., and services will be provided completely free on a first-come, first-serve basis until they reach capacity.

“We are grateful for the army of volunteers who make Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh possible,” Young says. “Thanks to their professional expertise and generous spirit, we are able to provide every patient the attention and care they need and deserve. We are again asking the Western Pennsylvania volunteer community to come together and commit to volunteering for the 2025 clinic this fall.”