In a world where healthcare access can often be a significant barrier, the story of Faithful Servants clinic shines as a beacon of hope and compassion. Founded in 2012 by Drs. Sue and Mark Meyer, family medicine physicians with Pioneer Physicians Network Tallmadge, this free medical clinic embodies a powerful mission: to provide essential urgent care services to the uninsured population. Driven by their deep-seated faith and a commitment to serving the underserved, the Meyers have cultivated a vital community resource that exemplifies the powerful intersection of faith and action in healthcare.
The inspiration for Faithful Servants arose from a shared prayer and a profound realization of a critical gap in healthcare provision. Dr. Sue Meyer explains, “Our goal was to provide care in the population that we felt was totally being left behind.” For 32 years, the Meyers have been dedicated members of Pioneer Physicians Network Tallmadge, establishing themselves as trusted family doctors within the community. However, their vision extended beyond the walls of their practice. For years, dating back to their medical school days, they dreamt of a clinic that could directly address the urgent healthcare needs of those without insurance.
While numerous free and reduced-fee clinics exist to offer continuing care and routine checkups, Faithful Servants stands out. It is believed to be the sole urgent care free clinic operating in Ohio, a testament to its unique and crucial role within the state’s healthcare landscape, as confirmed by the Ohio Association of Free Clinics. This distinction underscores the clinic’s pioneering approach to tackling immediate health concerns for vulnerable individuals who might otherwise resort to overcrowded emergency rooms or forgo care altogether.
Five years after its inception, Faithful Servants has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its reach and impact. The clinic now boasts a network of nearly 300 dedicated doctors, caregivers, and volunteers spread across three locations: Tallmadge, South Akron, and a mobile clinic strategically positioned at the Haven of Rest near downtown Akron. Further extending its commitment to community health, Faithful Servants inaugurated a fourth location in Windham, a rural town in Portage County, in January. This expansion illustrates the escalating need for such services and the clinic’s proactive response to meet those demands in diverse communities. Moreover, the clinic has cultivated partnerships with specialists and dentists who generously offer follow-up care in their private practices, ensuring patients receive comprehensive medical attention beyond urgent care needs.
Dr. Sue Meyer reflects on the clinic’s journey with gratitude and awe. “I’m living my dream,” she states. “I think the great thing is to watch God open a door and say ‘You’re not done yet.’ There was never an intention to have another clinic. It was supposed to be one.” This sentiment highlights the organic and divinely guided growth of Faithful Servants, exceeding initial expectations and evolving into a multi-site operation serving a wider population. The expansion was not a calculated business strategy, but rather a response to the overwhelming need and the outpouring of support from volunteers and the community.
The operational backbone of Faithful Servants is deeply rooted in community collaboration. A network of local churches provides nourishing dinners for the volunteers, many of whom dedicate their evenings to the clinic directly after their workday. This collaborative spirit extends beyond logistical support, fostering a sense of shared purpose and community ownership of the clinic’s mission. Approximately 75 percent of the volunteers identify as Christians, united by the understanding that Faithful Servants operates as a faith-based organization. This shared faith provides a strong ethical and motivational foundation for the volunteers’ commitment to serving others.
It is important to note that while faith-based, Faithful Servants maintains an inclusive approach to patient care. The clinic does not impose any religious requirements on patients. Caregivers may offer a prayer along with a prescription or care instructions, and Bibles are available, but only if a patient expresses interest. This respectful and non-proselytizing approach ensures that individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome and comfortable seeking medical assistance at the clinic.
Marty Hauser, President of the Faithful Servants Board and former chief executive of SummaCare insurance company, eloquently encapsulates the essence of the clinic. “Here’s a group of laypeople, doctors, nurses, everybody who because of their faith are doing this and providing this service. … It’s people demonstrating their faith.” Hauser’s perspective underscores the clinic as a tangible manifestation of faith in action, where individuals translate their beliefs into practical service and compassion for their neighbors. The clinic serves as a powerful example of how faith can be a driving force for positive community impact, bridging healthcare gaps and fostering social responsibility.
Recognizing the unique healthcare needs of different age groups, Faithful Servants recently established a dedicated pediatric clinic in South Akron. This specialized clinic operates on Tuesday nights, focusing on providing tailored care to young patients. This initiative reflects the clinic’s commitment to comprehensive care, extending its services to address the specific health concerns of children within the community. Dr. Sue Meyer marvels at the clinic’s expansion and the unwavering support it has received. “Never did we dream that God would provide so many resources and volunteers to allow us to do far more than we could ask or imagine,” she acknowledges, emphasizing the profound impact of community generosity and divine providence in the clinic’s success.
When asked about their motivations for volunteering at Faithful Servants, the doctors and caregivers consistently express similar sentiments. Dr. Sheila Steer, an emergency medicine physician formerly with Summa Emergency Associates (now Academic and Community Emergency Specialists), articulates a common feeling among volunteers. “I believe when you help people truly with an open heart, some of that comes back to enrich your own life, not in dollar signs but in spiritual rewards,” she explains. Dr. Steer further emphasizes the deeply fulfilling nature of her volunteer work, stating, “I believe the only way to do medicine is what feeds me. It literally feeds me, but it feeds me spiritually.” This intrinsic reward system, driven by the act of selfless service, is a powerful motivator for the volunteers at Faithful Servants.
On a typical Wednesday evening, Dr. Steer encountered Matt Foss from North Canton, a patient whose story exemplifies the clinic’s vital role in the community. Matt, 34, shared his history as a recovering drug addict and his ongoing struggle with back pain stemming from a previous weightlifting injury and surgery. Compounding his health challenges was the lack of health insurance since losing his steel mill job two years prior. Desperate for relief but facing financial barriers, Matt had unsuccessfully sought help from other doctors and chiropractors before discovering Faithful Servants.
Matt’s primary motivation for seeking care was to maintain his sobriety for his wife and their combined family of eight children. He expressed his desire to avoid heavy narcotic pain medication, recognizing the potential risk of relapse. Dr. Steer commended Matt for his honesty about his past struggles and his proactive approach to managing his pain responsibly. While Faithful Servants provides free medications to patients, it adheres to a policy of not prescribing narcotics, aligning with its commitment to responsible and safe patient care.
Dr. Steer prescribed Matt a muscle relaxant and a steroid to alleviate his pain, along with an acid reducer for his stomach issues. Crucially, she also provided a referral for Matt to return to the clinic to consult with volunteer orthopedic specialists, ensuring he would receive specialized follow-up care. A week later, Matt reported that the orthopedic doctors recommended increased physical activity to assess if the pain would subside. He was instructed to return to the clinic if the pain persisted, demonstrating the ongoing support and monitoring provided by Faithful Servants.
Matt expressed profound gratitude for the compassionate care he received at Faithful Servants. “I was just ready to let this all go and suffer,” he admitted. “After being turned away by other places and feeling so completely abandoned, it was great to go to the clinic and receive actual compassion. These people obviously care,” Matt stated. His experience highlights the emotional and psychological impact of the clinic, offering not only medical treatment but also a sense of dignity and human connection to individuals who often feel marginalized by the healthcare system. Although not a regular churchgoer, Matt acknowledged that his experience at Faithful Servants had a positive impact on his perspective. “It did make me think twice about my faith in people, which has been nonexistent recently,” he confessed.
Dr. Sue Meyer emphasizes that Faithful Servants was established specifically to serve individuals like Matt, who often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. “Our goal was to fill the needs of those who fall through the cracks, to meet the working poor,” she reiterates. The clinic effectively addresses a critical societal need by providing a healthcare safety net for the uninsured and underinsured working population.
Beyond direct patient care, Faithful Servants also plays a crucial role in alleviating pressure on the broader healthcare system. By providing accessible urgent care to uninsured individuals, the clinic reduces the burden on hospital emergency rooms, which are often the default healthcare option for those without insurance. Dr. Mark Meyer points out that Faithful Servants “saves area hospitals money and frees up resources for other charity care by seeing uninsured patients, who likely would end up in costly ERs seeking care.” This proactive approach to preventative and urgent care not only benefits individual patients but also contributes to a more efficient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem within the community.
The journey of Faithful Servants began with initial conversations in 2008, amidst the economic challenges of the Great Recession. Despite skepticism and doubts expressed by some who questioned the clinic’s viability in light of ongoing healthcare reform debates, the founders remained steadfast in their vision. Marty Hauser recalls, “We just kept saying, ‘If we have to shut this down because everybody has insurance, that will be a good thing,’ ” However, contrary to initial concerns, the need for Faithful Servants has only grown. At a recent board meeting, discussions centered on the anticipated increase in demand due to factors such as potential changes to the Affordable Care Act, the escalating costs of insurance, and the growing refugee population in the area lacking insurance coverage.
Dr. Steer’s volunteer experiences further illustrate the evolving needs addressed by the clinic. On one evening, she treated a five-year-old Turkish girl, the daughter of a visiting professor at Kent State University. The father sought care for his daughter’s cold-like symptoms. Dr. Steer diagnosed a common cold, reassured the father of the absence of infection, and recommended simple home care measures, such as using a vaporizer. This example highlights the clinic’s adaptability in serving diverse patient populations, including those who may be navigating temporary insurance gaps or are new to the community.
Faithful Servants operates on a foundation of community generosity, funded by donations and in-kind contributions from local hospitals and health systems. This year’s budget stands at approximately $200,000, an increase from $150,000, reflecting the clinic’s expanding operations and service provision, as noted by Dr. Sue Meyer. The medical community has rallied in strong support of Faithful Servants, transcending institutional rivalries to collaborate for a common cause. Hauser describes the unifying spirit evident at the annual fundraiser: “I see tables of Akron General, Summa, Children’s. I see competing doctors, who if you put them in a board room for a hospital together, wouldn’t even talk to each other, yet they’re standing having a drink, and they’re there for a cause which is above the fray of what they deal with on the competitive, political side.” This remarkable display of inter-institutional cooperation underscores the shared commitment to the clinic’s mission and the collective recognition of its vital role in community health.
On a chilly Thursday evening, Dr. Mark Meyer and Sandy Andrassy, a registered nurse from Summa, volunteered at the Haven of Rest location. Andrassy, a seasoned participant in international mission trips, draws a parallel between her global experiences and her local service at Faithful Servants. “This truly is like a mission trip, except I’m not packing suitcases,” she observes. The Haven of Rest clinic primarily serves residents of the homeless shelter, although its services are open to anyone in need. Andrassy emphasizes the fundamental principle driving her volunteerism: “They have no other means to obtain health care, and everyone deserves to have that opportunity,” She further articulates the faith-based motivation behind her service, stating, “This is something God wants us to do — address the needs of the poverty-stricken.”
Two patients seen that evening, Rob Shane, 53, and Quincy Walton, 56, both recent residents of the Haven of Rest, exemplify the patient demographic served by Faithful Servants. Rob had previously visited the clinic for hypertension and received medication. However, lacking consistent access to medication refills, his blood pressure had risen again. Quincy sought care for a persistent cold, concerned about potential pneumonia. While Quincy’s examination was reassuring, he was advised to return for a follow-up, highlighting the clinic’s commitment to ongoing patient monitoring. Rob expressed sincere appreciation for the volunteers’ dedication, remarking, “It’s very nice of people to come out in this weather to help people.”
The volunteers at Faithful Servants consistently report experiencing a profound sense of personal fulfillment through their service. Dr. Sue Meyer notes this recurring theme, “Docs would say, ‘This is the same thing I’m doing in my office, but I leave here feeling like I was blessed more than I was able to bless,’ My answer is, God put the servant’s heart in you and now he’s blessing you,” She concludes, “It rejuvenates your heart for the gift that God gives us to be able to take care of patients.” This reciprocal dynamic, where caregivers feel enriched by the act of giving, underscores the powerful impact of compassionate service on both recipients and providers.
Dr. Rex Wilford, a former long-time Summa internal medicine physician now practicing at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Cleveland, emphasizes the fundamental principle of loving one’s neighbor. He regularly brings Bibles to Faithful Servants to distribute to patients, recognizing the holistic needs of individuals seeking care. Dr. Wilford poignantly asks, “What can you do more than help those who are in need than coming to a clinic and helping them out?” His question encapsulates the core mission of Faithful Servants and the profound impact of its volunteers in embodying faith through compassionate action and accessible healthcare for all.
