GIRARD, Ohio (WKRC) – Two Ohio cities are considering making urgent care visits free.
According to WFMJ, the cities of Struthers and Girard are considering making urgent care visits free for residents.
Per the report, officials from each city have met with QUICKmed, a company interested in opening multiple facilities that would offer free visits to those who live there for the very first time.
“It’s going to help all of us in this whole region,” Girard Mayor Mark Zuppo told WFMJ’s reporters. “If we can be the first, if we can be a pilot for something that takes foothold for not only these counties but in the state of Ohio and maybe even in the United States.”
WFMJ’s report states that the new facilities would operate like other QUICKmed locations in Youngstown, Ohio. Patients at the locations can receive care that includes the following, per the report:
Treatment for less serious injuries and illnesses without appointmentsFree visits for employees of businesses inside those cities
The outlet’s report states that Mayor Zuppo believes facilities offering free care would have made a difference after Costco decided not to build a location in Girard, and told WFMJ, “I think it makes Girard very attractive.”
The cities of Girard and Struthers are working alongside consultants to determine how they can get the plan funded and figure out where the locations would be built. QUICKmed told the outlet that it believes it would cost around $1.5 million a year, and Mayor Zuppo said he believes Girard will have the urgent cares fully funded by grants for five years.
Mayor Zuppo told WFMJ if city officials can “see the light at the end of the tunnel with funding,” there’s a “very strong possibility” the plans will be put into action.
“I’d say it’s better than 75% chance,” he said when speaking with the outlet.