FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2, 2022 

Contact:
Marion Ahlers, Director of Marketing and Communications
Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh
(412) 456-6693
mahler@ccgh.org

 

Catholic Charities to Provide Aftercare Following Ninth Annual Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh Event

 

Pittsburgh, PA -- Dental volunteers and representatives from Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center are preparing to provide free aftercare for patients attending the ninth annual Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh (MOM) event August 5 and 6 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Through the generosity of volunteer dental professionals, MOM provides free dental services without restrictions to those unable to access quality care. For issues too complex to address immediately, Catholic Charities will offer further assessment or more advanced procedures, including root canals, bridges and complex extractions.

Last year the two-day clinic hosted 952 patients. Catholic Charities served 110 people in follow-up visits at no charge.

“Mission of Mercy is an annual reminder that many of our neighbors cannot access the high-quality health care that most of us take for granted,” says Susan Rauscher, Executive Director of Catholic Charities.  “Our Free Health Care Center exists to ensure that all people regardless of background or story are able to have their health needs met with dignity.”

According to Frank Parise, DMD and Dental Director of the Free Health Care Center, each year his volunteer team sees first-hand the debilitating effects of lack of health care and the amazing transformation that can occur with timely intervention. “Of course, improving smiles is the most obvious result of our work, but the bigger picture includes reduction of pain, better overall health and increased confidence,” says Dr. Parise. “Every year my team and I are overwhelmed to see lives change over the course of an hour because of routine dental care.”

Event organizers anticipate drawing up to 1,200 patients this year, and eye and ear exams will also be offered. No registration is required, and attendees will be seen on a first-come first-served basis until capacity is reached.

“We hope no one is turned away due to crowds,” says Dr. Parise. “However, my team at the Free Health Care Center will always be available for adults who don’t have access to the care to meet their needs.”

 

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About Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of religious affiliation, at their times of great need. With offices in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties, Catholic Charities has been providing programs and services since 1910. Catholic Charities offers counseling, a Free Health Care Center for the uninsured and underinsured, senior centers and services (out of Lawrence County) homeless assistance, pregnancy and parenting support, and more. For more information about our programs and services, visit www.ccpgh.org.