One Clinic In Rochester Is Helping The 1,200+ Who Can’t Afford Mayo Clinic

Even in Rochester, Somer Are Skipping The Doctor

Across the country, millions of people are making a choice to delay medical or dental care for one specific reason - they can't afford it.

A Growing Problem Showing Up In Painful Ways

Local clinics are seeing the impact firsthand as patients are delaying care until it become unbearable.  In Southeast Minnesota, that reality is showing up in painful ways:

• Severe toothaches
• Emergency tooth extractions
• Open wounds that aren't healing
• Lingering sinus infections
• Unmanaged chronic conditions
• ...and more

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Isn't The Mayo Clinic Nearby in Rochester, Minnesota?

It's a fair question.

Rochester, Minnesota is home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic and has over a million people visit as patients every year.

Personally, I am extremely thankful that they are in our backyard because my husband suffers from two chronic illnesses and has multiple specialists who are part of his medical team.  Last year, I was often found sitting in the Gonda building or in a family waiting room during a surgery.

While this is a great resource for the Southeast Minnesota community, this isn't a solution for everyone who lives in this area.

Reasons Why People Are Skipping The Medical and Dental Care That They Need

Despite its reputation, there are real barriers that keep some people from getting the medical care they need:

• No insurance. Many patients are part of the "working poor" - they have jobs, but no insurance coverage
• High costs. Some patients have insurance but the high deductibles or out-of-pocket costs make "going to the doctor" unattainable
• Complicated assistance programs. Help does exist at Mayo Clinic through charity care and discounts but navigating that can be confusing, intimidating, or slow for some who need immediate care
• No entry point. People without a primary doctor or referral system don't have an avenue into Mayo Clinic

For those who are facing these challenges, care often gets delayed or skipped entirely.

The Clinic Filling In The Gap For Patients In Rochester

All of those reasons and more are why the Good Samaritan Health Clinic exists.

It provides free or reduced-cost care, has volunteer doctors (which does include Mayo Clinic providers), and focuses on providing care to those who would delay or skip medical treatment entirely.

Stand With The Sam Event and Help Raise Funds For the Good Samaritan Health Clinic in Rochester

Now, the community has a chance to help.

The "Stand With The Sam" event is raising money to support the clinic and patients who rely on it every day.  Here are a few details to know:

DATE: April 17th, 2026

WHERE: Hilton Hotel Mayo Clinic Area

TIME: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

WHAT TO EXPECT: Enjoy a fun, memorable event that lifts the spirits of everyone in attendance.  Games and prizes will be set up for you to enjoy as well as food and beverages.  This year, businesses have been invited to decorate a Red Kettle Stand which will be presented during the event.  The stand that gets the most red kettle donations will win the "Peoples' Choice" award.  Most importantly, your support at this event provides medical and dental care for our neighbors who need it most who utilize the Good Samaritan Health Clinic in downtown Rochester.

LEARN MORE: grab tickets and learn more about the Stand With the Sam event here.