In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is pleased to announce Donna Kramer as the 2024 Free Clinic Volunteer of the Year award winner. Kramer is a dedicated volunteer for MedWish Medworks, contributing her time, expertise and boundless energy to improving the lives of underserved individuals throughout Cleveland, Ohio.
“Donna is the heart of MedWish Medworks. Her tireless efforts, spanning 23 years of volunteer service, have been instrumental in ensuring high-quality care and organizational success. She is an exceptional volunteer, and her impact is immeasurable,” reads the nomination for this award.
Kramer’s volunteer journey began at age 19 and spans decades of service. At MedWish Medworks, she has contributed more than 1,350 hours in the past year alone, working tirelessly to sort medical supplies for distribution, manage patient check-ins at clinics, and recruit donations for local distribution. She has also played a pivotal role in uniting the organization during a recent merger, bridging systems and processes to ensure a seamless transition.
Beyond her operational contributions, Kramer is a welcoming face for patients at MedWish Medworks, managing check-ins and ensuring they receive comprehensive services. Her data management skills have streamlined volunteer engagement and donor relations, supporting nearly 4,000 unique volunteers annually. Despite facing her own health challenges, Kramer continues to serve with unwavering dedication and grace.
“I strive to help each client I register access the appropriate services available at a MedWish Medworks clinic,” Kramer shared. “If my interactions lift their spirits and put a smile on their face, I feel I’ve accomplished my goal of ensuring they leave happier than when they arrived. That’s a win-win.
MedWish Medworks, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to repurposing medical supplies and providing essential care through free clinics. The organization serves individuals locally and globally, focusing on sustainability and healthcare equity. For more information about MedWish Medworks, visit medwish.org.
As part of Free Clinic Appreciation Month (FCAM), the Charitable Healthcare Network and the Ohio Department of Health recognize the accomplishments of Ohio's free clinics through annual Free Clinic Award presentations. FCAM was established in 2013 by the Ohio Legislature through H.B. 320 to honor and raise awareness about the vital role free clinics play in delivering essential healthcare to Ohio’s most vulnerable populations.
This year’s award recipients will be celebrated at the 2025 Charitable Healthcare Network Safety-Net Symposium, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Columbus. This annual event brings together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and community partners to recognize the impact of free and charitable clinics in strengthening Ohio’s healthcare safety net, fostering equity, and delivering high-quality care to underserved populations.
More information about FCAM, CHN and the upcoming symposium can be found at charitablehealthcarenetwork.org.
