CareLink seeks permission to run periodic pop-up clinics at Hiram events center

CareLink, a Paulding County nonprofit clinic that serves uninsured adults, asked the council for permission to use the city—s events center for periodic pop-up primary-care clinics and asked whether the city could help promote scheduled appointment slots.

Amelia Belfort, chair of CareLink—s board, said the organization is volunteer-led, currently operates two clinic days a week and plans to add a third; it serves adults without insurance (ages 18 to 65) and provides noninvasive, primary-care services and referrals but does not dispense medications on-site. Belfort said pop-up clinics help reach residents who cannot travel to CareLink—s Dallas location and that the organization expects small appointment cohorts (about 10–20 people per event) with set appointment windows plus capacity to triage limited walk-ins in emergencies.

Council members asked about scheduling, fees and promotion. City staff reminded council of an established facility rental policy with a nominal fee (the transcript identified a $10 per hour minimal fee in discussion) and said the policy means council cannot unilaterally waive the fee without creating an inconsistent precedent for other nonprofits. Staff said the organization could apply and provide required insurance and documentation and that the event could be scheduled in the city—s calendar for a future quarter, allowing time to iron out details.

CareLink said it would provide insurance and HIPAA-compliant documentation; staff and council discussed available time windows (weekdays preferred for clinics) and suggested the group aim for a trial monthly schedule subject to staffing and demand. Council members expressed support for the service but indicated the fee policy and consistent application of rental rules must be respected.

No council vote or fee waiver was recorded; staff said details (application, insurance, schedule) would be completed after council direction.