Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic Hosts Stay at Home Gala on May 14th to Raise Funds Needed to Heal the Hurting in Our Community

May 7, 2020
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FORT MYERS, FL – May 7, 2020:  Because the health of our community is a top priority, the Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic is hosting a virtual Stay at Home Gala to raise much needed funding to bring healing and hope to people in our community struggling from chronic or acute pain without the use of opioids or other controlled substances. Pain tends to worsen from stress, and with the impact of COVID-19, low-income, uninsured individuals need the effective, no-cost care provided by the clinic now more than ever.

Tickets may be purchased at https://freepainclinic.networkforgood.com/events/20219-stay-at-home-gala. Ticket prices range from:

  • $250 – “Don’t buy an uncomfortable suit or ballgown”
  • $100 – “Skip the Hair and Makeup Appointment”
  • $45 – “Don’t call an Uber or pay for a valet”
  • $1,000 – “A PRICELESS evening to yourself”
  • Donations of any amount are also gratefully accepted.

This event will be hosted on Facebook and the community is urged to LIKE and FOLLOW the clinic’s page (https://www.facebook.com/freepainclinic/) to stay up to date on event announcements and clinic happenings. There will be numerous items and services available for auction, and videos from our patients, volunteers, and staff.

The Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic, the only facility of its kind, is rewriting the healthcare paradigm for low income, uninsured pain patients through comprehensive evaluations and diagnoses, results-focused treatment plans, and holistic, opioid-free care in a compassionate environment. We treat patients that are suffering from neck and back pain, headaches, muscle and joint pains, soft tissue damage, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions, who would otherwise have no choice but to use over-the-counter medications (often in excess), prescriptions, street drugs, or alcohol to manage their pain.

Low-income, uninsured patients lack the resources needed to heal. This demographic is at a disadvantage as they are statistically less educated and lack the means to pay for effective alternative treatment options like physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and modalities (ultrasound, e-stim, traction, and cold laser). This cycle burdens our healthcare system and emergency departments and leaves many without hope to regain their quality of life. It is devastating to our community and nation as Americans face the decision to live in agony or take pain medication long-term. These decisions impact families in record numbers as evidenced by the current opioid crisis.

The opioid epidemic has hit close to home. Just in Lee County since 2013, opioid overdose deaths have increased by 800%, with an average of 6,200 opioid overdose deaths annually statewide. Low-income, uninsured patients are more likely to seek and utilize pain medication as other options are just not available to them. By providing free, holistic medical care without the use of opioids or other controlled substances, we are helping this population return to work, care for themselves and their families, and get their lives back, free of addiction. Thanks to a generous community of volunteers and donors, our treatment is provided at no cost to our patients.

To learn more about the Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic, visit www.freepainclinic.org. Some eye-opening facts:

  • 50 million Americans (one of every five adults) suffer from chronic pain – that is more than those with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined.
  • Twenty percent of adults in Florida cannot afford health insurance.
  • The cost of chronic pain to society is over $635 billion annually.
  • In Florida, 17 people die of an opioid overdose every day (over 48,000 annually nationwide).
  • Eighty percent of people who abuse opioids were initially prescribed for legitimate pain.
  • The number of children entering foster care due to their parents’ drug abuse (incarceration, rehab, death) has doubled since 2000.
  • Every 15 minutes, a baby is born suffering the devastating effects of opioid withdrawal.
  • Drug abuse and addiction cost American society more than $740 billion annually.

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About the Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic

The Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic is a 501(c)3 organization, founded in 2010 by Alan Gruning, DO, 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 is funded solely through grants, contributions, and corporate sponsorships. Services are rendered by appointment at 6831 Palisades Park Court, Unit 3 in Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.freepainclinic.org. For eligibility, appointments and volunteer opportunities, please call 239.308.7107. For more information about our mission, sponsorship opportunities, speaking engagements or to make a tax-deductible donation, please call Michelle at 239.201.7877. We are proud to be a United Way Partner Agency.