'Hometown Heroes volunteer medical treatment for those in need'
Originally reported by Len Rome for WYTV/ABC 33 | July 1, 2026
Across Ohio, volunteers are at the heart of charitable healthcare, giving their time, knowledge and compassion to help ensure people in their communities can access the care they need.
A recent WYTV “Hometown Heroes” feature shines a spotlight on the Midlothian Free Health Clinic in Youngstown and the dedicated volunteers who make its work possible.
Located at First Presbyterian Church on Wick Avenue, the Midlothian Free Health Clinic provides care to working adults and individuals without health insurance between the ages of 18 and 65. The clinic operates two Thursday evenings each month and is staffed entirely by volunteers, including physicians, nurses and medical educators.
Clinic director Paul Parteleno told WYTV that the clinic operates on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, typically seeing patients from 6 p.m. until 8 or 8:30 p.m., depending on the number of patients.
Among the physicians volunteering at the clinic is Dr. Frank Castro, who spoke about the impact of serving patients who may face barriers to healthcare. “Going through with these patients that may not have the best health literacy but are very much so in need is very rewarding,” Dr. Castro said.
For the volunteers at Midlothian, providing care is about meeting an important need in their community. Diabetes educator Kathy Chapman emphasized the clinic’s commitment to reaching people who need healthcare. “That’s what we’re here for. We need to provide health care for all the people that need health care in our community, and this is one way we’re trying to get out to the public,” Chapman said.
The dedication of the clinic’s volunteers is also reflected in the relationships they build with the patients they serve. Nurse manager Carol Beard described the experience as both meaningful and rewarding. “It’s very rewarding and they are so appreciative of the work we do and the care we give,” Beard said.
Midlothian Free Health Clinic is one example of the many charitable healthcare organizations across Ohio working to make healthcare more accessible in their communities. Behind that care are volunteers who continue to give their time and expertise to help patients receive compassionate, quality healthcare.
CHN is proud to recognize the volunteers and healthcare professionals who make this work possible and to celebrate the impact charitable clinics like Midlothian Free Health Clinic have on their communities.
