OREM-- Several doctors, dentists and other health care providers in Utah Valley will be honored Monday night by Community Health Connect at the Orem Owlz baseball game. CHC is holding it third annual Family Night for the employees of the medical and dental offices who volunteer their time and services to help low-income and uninsured residents get the care they need. According to CHC, volunteer services for the year 2011 included 280 health care professionals helping more than 750 patients by donating more than 3,000 appointments valued at more than $1 million.

Families and employees of those that have donated services will be treated to a pre-game tailgate barbecue and tickets to the game.

"This is just a thank you for the doctors and dentists that donate," said Starr Stratford, executive director at Community Health Connect. "They don't get a lot of benefit except that it feels good to donate, they do it because they are good people and this gives us a chance to tell them thanks and let them know how much we appreciate what they do."

Five of the many local health care professionals will be spotlighted between innings at the baseball game at Brent Brown Ball Field at UVU starting at 7:05 p.m.

Those being honored include Rod Angus, owner of Angus Dental Labs. Angus has donated more than 35 crowns since beginning work with CHC in 2011. Dr. Karl Weenig specialized in sports medicine and orthopedic care, donating to more than 20 patients needing specialized care this year. Dr. Jennifer Tittensor is a general surgeon who works with Utah County Surgical Associates in American Fork performing a wide variety of surgeries ranging from hernia repair to gallbladder removal. Tittensor has volunteered with CHC for more than five years, providing surgery for more than 40 patients.

Dr. Duane Nelson, ophthalmologist at Utah Valley Eye Center, has donated his time for more than seven years. Nelson says he does it because of the great need in the community.

"I think there is a lot of folks who have need for health care who can't afford it for various reasons and this is just a good way to be able to help," Nelson said. "It is a good thing, helps society out and I just know that we all face various challenges and needs and this is one way of sort of paying it forward or giving it back to those who have helped me along the way."

Dr. Jason Allan, an instructor at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene, will throw out the first pitch on Monday. The college has donated more than 400 appointments to patients in need of dental care.

"There really are people who don't have access to care so these are really vital services for the community and a section of the population that otherwise wouldn't be receiving services," Stratford said. "These doctors help provide speciality medical care in their own offices and it is a lot less expensive for the whole community."

Community Health Connect is a non-profit health agency in Utah County that connects low-income, uninsured Utah County residents with volunteer doctors and dentists throughout the community who see qualifying patients free of charge in their own offices. More information on Community Health Connect can be found at http://www.communityhealthconnect.org.

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Local health care providers to be honored at baseball game