Approximately 2,000 volunteers and healthcare professionals are in downtown St. Louis this week, offering free medical, dental, and vision services to the public as part of the Pathway to Health mega clinic. The event, running May 5–8, 2025, is being held at the America’s Center Convention Complex and is open to all, with no insurance, documentation, or ID required.
PC: Caleb Durant
People lined up early Monday morning to receive services ranging from cardiology and dermatology to pediatrics, women’s health, minor surgeries, and dental work. Vision care includes eye exams and free prescription glasses. Volunteers are also offering physical therapy, massages, clothing, and haircuts.
Pathway to Health is a nonprofit humanitarian service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This is the ninth mega clinic they have operated since 2014, with many of the volunteers coming from around the country to be the hands and feet of Jesus in St. Louis.
PC: Caleb Durant
Life-Changing Moments and New Friendships
Diane Thurber, president of Christian Record Services for the Blind, shared several emotional encounters from the first day of service. One woman had brought her boyfriend and his friend who had never received eye care. One was 34 years old, the other 50.
“They had never had an eye exam in their lives,”
Thurber said. “They were so thrilled. They picked out their frames, and they’ll be contacted by a local church when their glasses are ready.”
Christian Record also provided large-print Bibles and other materials for those with low vision. “We had a man come up whose face lit up when he saw the large-print Bible,” Thurber said. “We’re mailing it to him next week. Everything we provide is completely free.”
Meeting Needs, Building Relationships
Pastor Darren Robinson, who serves the St. Louis West County and Southside Seventh-day Adventist churches, shared how powerful it was to speak with attendees in line. “Some people told me they’ve waited years to be seen for some of the things they’re here for,” Robinson said.
“And now, to receive that care completely free—it’s a huge blessing. You can see the joy on their faces.”
He emphasized how this outreach is not just about short-term help but about long-term relationships. “When we show up and meet people where they are, with compassion and care, they open up,” he said. “That gives me hope that the relationship continues even after this week ends.”
Both of Robinson’s churches will serve as Health Information Centers (HICs) after the event. Each location will offer free, multi-week community classes. “At one church, we’ll host a cooking class,” he said. “At the other, we’ll offer a wellness class. It’s a chance to stay connected and walk with people on a journey toward better health and, hopefully, toward Jesus.”
A Flyer, A Choice, A Blessing
For many, the opportunity to receive care came just in time.
“One man said someone outside handed him a flyer, and he just decided not to go to work that day,” said a volunteer. He came straight in and got the services he needed.” Others told similar stories, choosing to miss a day’s pay in order to be seen by a doctor or dentist—something they hadn’t been able to do in years.
Equipping Local Leaders for Long-Term Impact
Dan McGee, a member of the St. Louis Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, is preparing to teach follow-up health classes after the clinic ends. “My wife and I are going to lead programs on natural cooking, depression and anxiety recovery, and diabetes education,” he said.
McGee explained that the goal of these classes is not only to improve physical health but also to guide people toward spiritual healing.
“We want to teach people how to live healthy lives and have minds full of love from God,”
he said. “This is how people can overcome depression and even beat diabetes. But most of all, we want to help them come to know Jesus.”
As volunteers continue to serve, many believe the impact of Pathway to Health will be felt long after the clinic ends.
