The Maliheh Clinic in Salt Lake City provides free medical services to those in need

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – Across the state there are many resources to help those in need. One of those is the Maliheh Clinic in Salt Lake City.

The Maliheh Clinic just celebrated their 20th Anniversary. 20 years helping give basic medical services to the people who need it most — for free.

Brenda Spearman has been the executive director for a few years now. Each day she sees the lives being impacted as they get the treatment they need.

“I have done some calculations, and we have saved members of the community, low income, probably about $40 million in medical debt. Debt that would have incurred if they had to pay these things themselves,” Spearman said.

Not only do people get great basic medical care, but there are volunteers there helping the patients take the next steps in taking care of themselves.

“So, by providing an opportunity for people to have great health, to get the help they need, to feel better and to hopefully change their financial situation — it is just amazing.” Spearman explained.

Over 500 volunteers last year helped to make everything happen in the clinic. Medical providers, medical assistants, nurses, interpreters and students spend hours at the clinic each week. The University of Utah, Utah Valley University and BYU help by sending their medical students. All donating their time and talents.

When talking about the volunteers Spearman said, “we have some really great partners that provide support for us.”

Another form of support comes from Intermountain Healthcare. They take the burden completely away. “Intermountain healthcare [does] all of the diagnostic procedures for our patients. Any x-ray, CT scan, MRI — including lab work — is done free of charge. None of our patients ever receive a bill for any of those services,” Spearman explained.

All of this as the Semnani Foundation continues their part in keeping it all going. It is the foundation led by Cosgrove Semnani who opened the clinic 20 years ago. All of this named after his grandmother, Maliheh.  

Spearman says Maliheh taught her family and all of those around her that, “One small act, one small opportunity for someone who doesn’t feel like they have opportunities can change a life.”

Together with community partners and volunteers Maliheh Free Clinic continues to do their work making a huge impact in the lives they help each day.

If you want to help by donating time, money or medical supply you can learn more information HERE.