In 1987, Dr. Duane Schmidt, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa founded Doctors with a Heart Day, Inc. Today, Doctors with a Heart has become the largest doctor charity in the world. It has been estimated that over 15,000 doctors and their staff in various health care disciplines participate in this day of giving.
Fifteen years ago, this tradition was started locally by Dr. Spera and his dedicated staff and associates. Over the past fifteen years, all participating doctors and staff have treated over 4,305 patients and completed over $634,328.00 worth of dental services. “Across the nation, once a year, doctors close their cash drawers to help people who have no means of support,” said Dr. Spera.
These doctors know of no better way to show they care for those in need who live in our community. Out of the 80 staff members who help out during this busy day, 10-15 are outside volunteers and community members. Those with urgent dental needs, who have no money, job, or means of welfare or health care, are invited to visit one of our three office locations for care on a “first come, first served” basis.
Any dental service that can be performed and completed in one visit will be offered which includes: cleanings, fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments, and X-rays.
Advertising target areas include the following: school districts, pharmacies, the YMCA, Girls and Boys Clubs, Head Starts, medical clinics, colleges, Volunteers of America, the Salvation Army, the National Association of Crime Victims, free dental clinics, hospitals, Planned Parenthood, United Way, Catholic Charities, walk-in clinics, Broome Council of Churches, daycare offices, the Chenango County Child Care Council., newspapers (including Penny Savers), television, radio, cable television, Wal-Mart, grocery stores, the Welfare-to-Work Program, the New York State Department of Health, and the Department of Social Services.
Please contact us with any questions.