Another eagerly anticipated public event has become a casualty of the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh free dental clinic at PPG Paints Arena has been postponed out of concern for the safety of patients, healthcare professionals and volunteers during the ongoing covid-19 crisis.
The event had originally been scheduled for July 24-25.
This would have been the fourth consecutive year that people lacking access to regular, quality dental care would have been provided with the services they need.
In the past three years, the event has served more than 3,100 patients and engaged more than 1,400 volunteers, including dentists, clinicians and nurses.
“Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is dedicated to creating a community of compassion and service, and we recognize that at a time when so many are facing financial hardship, the need for free dental care is greater than ever,” said Mission of Mercy Board Chairman Keith Young. “However, safety is our utmost concern, and we came to this difficult decision after consulting with public health officials and infectious disease experts.”
Young said plans are already in place for a Pittsburgh free dental clinic next year and details will be announced once a date is set.
