From Day One about 16 months ago, it seemed inevitable that sometime in the future the Community Health Clinic of Butler County, which provides free health care to uninsured and under-insured patients between the ages of 18 and 64, would need financial help to enable it to remain in operation.

That time has come with the announcement last week that the clinic's first annual campaign would be getting under way with the goal of raising $500,000. It is a goal well within this county's ability to reach, even with the bad economy and the jobs uncertainty many county residents are experiencing.

The announced plan to make the fundraising campaign an annual effort should help ensure that the clinic remains a permanent fixture here.

According to an article in the May 29 Butler Eagle, the monthly cost of running the clinic is between $30,000 and $40,000, with one of the biggest costs being medicine.

Cece Foster, who serves as executive director for the clinic, which is at 103 Bonnie Drive off East Butler Road, said medications are given to patients while they wait to be added to the state's free prescription program for under- and uninsured adults.

People with the wherewithal to help the clinic achieve its fundraising goal should consider attending one or more of the fundraising activities being planned. However, there's no need to wait for one of those events. The quickest way to help the clinic will be by taking a minute or two to write a check.

"Even $10 donations will have a great impact on the clinic," Foster said.

But even those who choose to write a check now can also attend one of the events being planned in connection with the campaign. The first one is a meeting for volunteers who want to help with the fundraising. That get-together is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 8 at the Butler Public Library on North McKean Street.

Other events planned are Donate and Dine on June 10 at Chili's restaurant on New Castle Road, Clinic Night at the June 20 Butler BlueSox game at Pullman Park, and Music for Medicine in October at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College, featuring jazz and classical.

Information regarding the events and on how to contribute is available by calling 724-841-0980.

The clinic is making a positive impact in the community. That's clear from the fact that it has more than 800 patients; there have been more than 2,300 visits.

Meanwhile, plans include starting a dental program; the clinic has two dental examination rooms and equipment but not enough money to launch the program.

Money from the campaign could help make that goal reality.

The campaign co-chairpersons are Larry Berg, a popular former local radio personality, and Carol Achezinski, a vice president of NexTier bank. Meanwhile, the campaign also will be boosted by help from a professional fundraiser.

It is to be hoped that those who contribute to the clinic's campaign will not pull back from support they traditionally have given to worthy causes such as the United Way. Those other needs still exist, despite the financial challenges to fund the clinic's operation.

Staffing the clinic are retired and volunteer health care professionals and general volunteers. They are making a commitment that in fact relieves some of the pressure from other area components of the health care system in the county.

By shifting some free care to the clinic, there are clear financial and operational benefits to Butler Memorial Hospital. Given that, it seems appropriate that the hospital follow up its initial $200,000 gift in 2006 with regular, and significant, contributions toward the clinic's operation.

The hospital's savings might not be dollar-for-dollar, but there is little doubt that the clinic is absorbing some of the unreimbursed care at BMH, which in 2005 was estimated at $1.6 million.

But even if the hospital takes a leadership role in funding the clinic, there still will be a need for gifts from other businesses and foundations as well as from individuals to keep the clinic serving its clients.

Will the clinic need a $500,000 campaign every year? Hopefully not. The intent should be to adjust each year's campaign — even downward — based on actual need. With an improving economy and more employment opportunities, it would seem that the clinic's caseload might fluctuate significantly.

The clinic is providing a valuable service toward a goal of a healthier and more humane community. With its record of service for more than a year, it now is asking for help to keep its efforts moving forward.

That effort deserves support from those who recognize its importance and understand its needs.