Uninsured gig worker shares what healthcare access and Trinity Community Care mean to him

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. — For nearly two years, Don McKinley has counted on Trinity Community Care to help him manage his health.

The Shelby Township nonprofit assists the 54-year-old Imlay City gig worker in controlling his cholesterol and blood pressure and is now working to coordinate a no- or low-cost total hip replacement and follow-up rehabilitation.

“Finding Trinity has been a huge blessing for me,” McKinley said. “These people have my back — with my health care and personally. They don’t just treat you and send you on your way. They care. I’m incredibly grateful I found them.”

McKinley is one of hundreds of uninsured and underinsured adults who have been turning to Trinity Community Care (TCC) for high-quality medical and dental care since 2013. In 2025, TCC provided more than $400,000 in direct clinical care and donated services.

But TCC doesn’t do it alone. Community support has enabled TCC to sustain its work. And Shelby Township Supervisor, Rick Stathakis believes everyone benefits.

“Shelby Township looks after its own through open hearts and willing hands, and Trinity Community Care is a powerful example of that spirit in action,” said Shelby Township Supervisor, Rick Stathakis. “Local volunteers and medical professionals provide free medical and dental care to neighbors who need it most. When someone receives needed dental care or a hardworking parent gets medicine they otherwise could not afford, TCC demonstrates what can happen when people put their faith and compassion into action and step forward to care for their neighbors.”

“I’m proud to support Trinity Community Care and the work they do for families throughout our community,” he added. “The Sept. 18 gala is a great opportunity to come together, have some Derby fun and support an organization making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Growing need for care

In 2025, TCC recorded 680 patient visits, a 14% increase from 2023. The increase reflects a larger trend.

Nationally, 84% of free and charitable healthcare organizations reported increased patient demand in 2025, according to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics. More than half — 58% — of patients served were employed.

Michigan is seeing increased demand as well. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a “substantial” year-over-year increase in uninsured patient visits to state-funded free clinics.

TCC provides no-cost care to uninsured or underinsured adults, including those who work 40 hours a week or more and still don’t have access to medical treatment, prescriptions or dental care.

Hypertension, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes are among the conditions most commonly treated by TCC clinicians.

For McKinley, access to care has meant more than routine treatment. But even if TCC can help secure a no- or low-cost hip replacement and rehabilitation, surgery won't solve all of his financial concerns. As a gig worker, McKinley doesn’t receive paid time off. The two to three weeks he would miss during recovery would come at the expense of several paychecks.

“I work 12 to 15 hours a day, seven days a week,” McKinley said. “But there are weeks when I still struggle to stay on top of my bills.”

The organization is powered by grants, community sponsors, local churches, individual donors and a generous corps of 144 volunteers who donate their time and expertise. For every $1 invested in TCC, $40 in health care is returned to the community, the organization calculates.

Clinical volunteers remain TCC’s greatest need. The clinic also needs glucose monitors, AEDs, laptops, desktop computers and tablets.

Hats, Horses & Hope: A Night to CARE at the Races

To meet its goal of increasing annual patient visits to 800 in 2027, TCC is working to increase 2026 gala proceeds by $75,000.

“This year’s goal is directly tied to need,” said Amanda LaVoie, board president, Trinity Community Care. “Our supporters surprise and inspire us every day. When the need grows, they rise to meet it. We’re hoping this time is no different.”

Featured activities include the much-anticipated Derby hat competition, a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle.

Tickets, sponsorship information and additional details are available at trinitycommunitycare.org.

Hats, Horses & Hope: A Night to CARE at the Races

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
5:30–9 p.m.
Italian American Cultural Society
43843 Romeo Plank Road
Clinton Township, MI

About Trinity Community Care

Trinity Community Care is a Shelby Township nonprofit providing high-quality, no-cost medical and dental care to uninsured and underinsured adults with compassion and dignity. Since 2013, TCC has connected patients with care while bringing together clinical volunteers, community organizations, churches, sponsors and donors to address gaps in access to health care. In 2025, TCC recorded 680 total patient visits and provided more than $400,000 in direct clinical care and donated services.