To hold first ever fundraiser for patients
The SWFL Free Pain Clinic, the only free pain clinic in Florida for low-income individuals, will hold its first fundraising event on Friday, April 7, 6 p.m. at Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers. “Heal the Hurt” will feature a live and silent auction, dinner and testimonials from patients of the clinic. Reservations are $50 per person and can be made at www.christianmedicalministries.org.
The SWFL Free Pain Clinic, founded in 2010 by Alan Gruning, DO, was established to provide healing for individuals with chronic and acute pain, without the use of controlled drugs, and with the added unique aspect of prayer and counseling. The clinic takes a holistic approach to healing, and utilizes chiropractic care, massage therapy, modalities, and exercise training to alleviate pain at the source, and begin an effective healing process for individuals without the ability to pay.
“It has been a privilege to provide this unique, free care to the uninsured poor that suffer from acute and chronic pain in our community,” said Gruning.
“These people are desperate and have no other resources to get the help they need. We have a vision to provide full time care in a permanent setting to reach more patients and improve their outcomes, eventually replicating this model across the state. We need the help of our community to make this happen.”
The clinic utilizes more than 50 ongoing volunteers, including medical professionals who donate time and resources for the benefit of the patients. It is the only one of its kind in Florida, and has been successful in keeping patients out of the emergency room, and off of drugs. Successful treatment helps patients get back to work, and helps them better care for themselves and their families.
The “Heal the Hurt” dinner and auction marks the launch of fundraising efforts to expand services. Currently, The SWFL Free Pain Clinic operates Tuesday evenings, 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Myers First Church of The Nazarene. Plans to expand to full time service will cost upwards of $300,000 per year, and be funded through grants and community donations. Individuals interested in learning more about the SWFL Free Pain Clinic can visit www.christianmedicalministries.org, or call Michelle Martin, clinic director at 239-308-7107.
The SWFL Free Pain Clinic is a ministry of Christian Medical Ministries, a 501(c)3 organization founded in 2010 to provide high quality holistic medical care at no charge to those without the ability to pay, with attention to the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of health and healing. The clinic serves more than 25 patients weekly, with more than 50 regular volunteers.
