Two Ohio Cities Consider Offering Free Urgent Care Visits

Struthers and Girard explore plans to open QUICKmed facilities with no-cost care for residents.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:50am

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The cities of Struthers and Girard, Ohio are in talks with QUICKmed, a company interested in opening urgent care facilities that would provide free visits to local residents. Officials from both cities believe the free care model could help attract new businesses and residents to the area.

Why it matters

Access to affordable healthcare is a major concern for many communities. If implemented, the free urgent care plan could improve healthcare affordability and accessibility for residents of Struthers and Girard, potentially boosting the cities' economic development and livability.

The details

QUICKmed has proposed opening multiple urgent care facilities in Struthers and Girard that would offer free visits for residents. The facilities would provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care services, all without requiring appointments. Businesses located within the cities would also be able to offer free visits to their employees.

  • Girard and Struthers officials have been meeting with QUICKmed representatives to discuss the proposal.
  • The cities are working with consultants to determine funding sources and potential facility locations.

The players

Mark Zuppo

The mayor of Girard, Ohio who believes the free urgent care plan could make the city more attractive to businesses and residents.

QUICKmed

A company interested in opening urgent care facilities in Struthers and Girard that would offer free visits to local residents.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to help all of us in this whole region. 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.”

— Mark Zuppo, Mayor of Girard

What’s next

Girard and Struthers officials will continue working with consultants to determine funding sources and facility locations for the proposed free urgent care centers. Mayor Zuppo believes there is a "very strong possibility" the plans will move forward if the cities can secure the necessary funding.

The takeaway

The potential for free urgent care in Struthers and Girard highlights the growing demand for affordable healthcare options in communities across the country. If successful, this model could inspire other cities to explore similar initiatives to improve healthcare access and support local economic development.