2025 Free Clinic Advanced Practice Provider of the Year
The Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is proud to recognize Dr. Mark Yoder, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, as the 2025 Free Clinic Advanced Practice Provider of the Year.
Mark is the Executive Director and clinician at the Viola Startzman Clinic in Wooster, Ohio. He has led the team with his clinical expertise, compassionate care, and leadership in expanding healthcare access for underserved populations in Wayne and Holmes Counties. Since taking the helm, he has boosted provider availability, launched Wayne County's first Community Health Worker program, and added hub locations to serve rural areas, stabilizing the clinic amid financial challenges while increasing patient reach.
These efforts directly improve outcomes for vulnerable patients by removing barriers and delivering integrated primary, dental, and mental health services on a sliding fee scale, regardless of insurance status.
“Healthcare should be accessible to everyone—especially those who are overlooked or struggling," Mark shared, embodying his commitment to dignity and whole-person care.
The Viola Startzman Clinic has served Wayne and Holmes Counties for over 30 years as a community health center offering comprehensive, affordable care. It provides primary care, dental services, mental health support (including telehealth), and more, prioritizing low-income and uninsured residents in a welcoming environment.
“Mark has made a profound and lasting impact... His tireless efforts have elevated our clinic, expanded access, and improved outcomes for vulnerable patients. His unique dual role as leader and clinician allows him to stay connected to patient care while guiding the clinic with vision and empathy,” said Jessica Franklin, Director of Clinical Operations.
As a lifelong Wooster resident, Mark has more than 10 years in healthcare, with degrees from Walsh University and dual board certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He leads the Wayne County Chapter of the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses and mentors as a Clinical Adjunct Professor at Walsh.
Mark takes pride in both leadership and hands-on care.
“One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is stabilizing the clinic... Seeing our team come together and increase access for thousands of patients each year is something I take great pride in,” he said.
Through his exceptional clinical proficiency, forward-thinking leadership, and devoted service, Mark Yoder embodies the essence of Free Clinic Appreciation Month, continually striving to enhance healthcare access for underserved individuals in Ohio.
“This work has given me a deeper appreciation for the struggles people face quietly every day and I feel honored to help carry forward a mission that directly improves lives,” he noted when reflecting on Viola Statzman’s impact.
Please join us in congratulating Mark on being named the 2025 Free Clinic Advanced Practice Provider of the Year, and celebrating the impact of providers and leaders like him who make free and charitable clinics a vital part of Ohio’s healthcare safety net. He and all of this year’s Free Clinic Appreciation Month Award recipients will be honored at the Free Clinic Appreciation Awards Reception on April 29, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit: https://www.charitablehealthcarenetwork.org/who-we-are/what-we-do/free-clinic-appreciation-month.html
