Los Angeles

Free Health Clinic in LA Proves Popular

Jennifer Halligan

Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 1,200 patients were treated on the opening day of a weeklong free health clinic at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Over 3,000 people had been there the previous Sunday to make appointments and receive wristbands signifying their date and time, but people still waited overnight in fear that they would miss their appointment between the times of 6 in the morning and 6 at night. People who showed up without wristbands were told to return on Wednesday, which is when the remaining 1,600 appointments can be scheduled. Many of the patients did not have health insurance, or had insurance that didn’t cover check-ups with the dentist or eye exams, which they can get at the clinic. Other patients received HIV tests, PAP smears, and diabetes check-ups. Organizers said they did not have their expected 300 medical volunteers, and that they need more dermatologists, ophthalmologists, nurse practitioners, obstetricians, family practice doctors, and gynecologists. The clinic runs through May 3.

Additional Reading:

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-mobile-healthclinic-0425,0,2360448.story?track=rss

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/04/free-health-clinic.html