As healthcare costs rise, Park City rallys around People’s Health Clinic at annual fundraiser

People’s Health Clinic is the only safety-net clinic in the Wasatch Back Photo: People’s Health Clinic

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City community raised $915,000 for People’s Health Clinic during its annual Walk & Wine fundraiser Aug. 9 at Stein Eriksen Lodge, as the clinic prepares for a projected increase in patients amid rising healthcare costs and shrinking coverage.

The event brought together donors, volunteers, medical providers, community partners, patients, and longtime supporters of the clinic to raise money for free healthcare for uninsured members of the Wasatch Back community.

People’s Health Clinic expects to see a 20% to 25% increase in patients this year, including a growing number of children, according to the clinic.

“The people at risk of falling through the cracks of our healthcare system are our neighbors,” said Dr. Mairi Leining, CEO of People’s Health Clinic. “Our patients make this town run and for 27 years, we have been their medical home.”

People’s Health Clinic is the only safety-net clinic in the Wasatch Back. It is open five days a week and provides free healthcare to uninsured community members.

“The People’s Health Clinic has to grow to meet this demand because, in the Wasatch Back, we are the only safety-net clinic,” Leining said. “And our job — every single day — is to make sure nobody falls through the cracks.”

The funds raised at Walk & Wine will help the clinic continue providing comprehensive care to local individuals and families who face barriers to accessing healthcare.

Care for local families

During the event, clinic staff and providers shared stories illustrating how that care affects local families.

Dalia Gonzalez, director of operations at People’s Health Clinic, shared the story of Debbie, a local mother who received prenatal care at the clinic before giving birth to her second son.

Debbie had applied for pregnancy Medicaid and provided the requested documentation but was denied coverage. She ultimately delivered her baby without health insurance.

Her newborn son was still able to receive care at the clinic.

“He’s being cared for by our pediatricians, because no baby should have to wait on paperwork to see a doctor,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez also has a personal connection to the clinic. She grew up in Utah without health insurance and received care through People’s Health Clinic as a child.

“The People’s Health Clinic was my clinic — back in the days of the original mobile clinic trailer,” Gonzalez said. “Everything I was given as a child, I now get to give back every single day.”

With patient demand expected to continue increasing, Leining said community support will remain essential to the clinic’s ability to provide care.

“When you watch a life turn around because someone finally got care, you want to do it again,” Leining said. “It’s hard to find anything more meaningful than this.”