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“Magee Anesthesia Cares” Volunteers Bring Compassionate Care to the 2025 Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh Clinic

Five volunteers, Liz Chang, Jason and Ali Bauer, Serafina Bear, and Donna Koleck, wearing matching green "Mission of Mercy" t-shirts pose together and smile inside the large indoor Mission of Mercy medical clinic. They are standing in front of tables with medical supplies and chairs, with red and white curtain dividers in the background. Donna wears a yellow stethoscope around her neck, and an “Emergency Exit” sign is visible on the wall.

Several of our certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) once again brought their clinical expertise and compassionate service to the Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh free care clinic, held on October 24-25, 2025, at David H. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

This marks the third consecutive year that the Magee Anesthesia Cares (MAC) volunteer group has participated in the event, which provides essential medical, dental, hearing, and vision services, completely free of charge, to anyone in need.

This year’s MAC volunteers in the medical triage unit were Serafina Bear, MSN, CRNA; Elizabeth Chang, DNP, CRNA; Diane Evangelist-Belack, MSN, CRNA; and Donna Koleck, MSN, CRNA, all from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, as well as Jason R. Bauer, MSN, PHRN, CRNA (UPMC Shadyside), and Ali Bauer, DNP, CRNP (Carlow University).

The overwhelming need for services at Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh was evident from the early hours each day. Patients, many of whom traveled not just from across Western Pennsylvania but from distant communities, lined up well before dawn, hoping to receive care. What sets this event apart is its accessibility: all services are provided entirely free of charge by licensed local healthcare professionals. No one is turned away due to insurance, income, or eligibility requirements, making the clinic a vital safety net for individuals and families who may otherwise go without essential care.

A large indoor space filled with rows of black chairs, many of which are occupied by people waiting. The setting is a community clinic, Mission of Mercy, with volunteers and patients visible. Booths with colorful curtains and signs like "FILLINGS" and "ROOT CANAL" are in the background, and individuals are walking or standing throughout the area. The atmosphere is busy and organized.

This year’s event saw an impressive turnout, with 2,081 patients receiving care across a wide spectrum of services. Volunteers performed 4,306 procedures on 1,384 dental patients, administered 778 eye exams, distributed 618 pairs of free eyeglasses, gave 408 hearing exams, and donated 636 free hearing aids to 320 patients.

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is not affiliated with any one healthcare institution; its success each year depends on the collective efforts of medical, dental, vision, and audiology professionals who volunteer their time and talent to care for individuals who otherwise may go without.

We are proud of our Magee Anesthesia Cares team for continuing to uphold the values of service, dignity and respect, and clinical excellence. Their ongoing commitment to initiatives like Mission of Mercy represents the best of who we are as a department.
 

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