HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS COME TOGETHER TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED
Free dental, vision and medical care will be offered to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families in the Coachella Valley area March 22-24 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. More than 500 volunteer healthcare professionals from throughout California are projected to provide critical care for an anticipated 600-1,000 people per day. All services are FREE; clinic participants need NO proof of insurance, employment, income, residency, immigration status or an ID to receive them.
The clinic will have 70 dental chairs, 20 medical exam rooms, and 10 vision lanes. A vision lab will produce free prescription eyeglasses on-site. Dentistry will include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions in addition to partial dentures. Medical doctors will provide services ranging from consultation and diagnosis to minor medical procedures while nurses will staff triage areas and provide medical assistance.
“Since we first brought this clinic to the Coachella Valley in 2013, we have provided much-needed services to more than 11,000 patients, for a total value of health care services estimated at $4.5 million – all free to patients,” said Pamela Congdon, California CareForce Founder and Executive Director. “These patients are so grateful that somebody cares about them, especially since they are receiving medical services they would not be able to receive elsewhere.”
Wristbands for next-day services will be distributed at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday (March 21), Friday (March 22), and Saturday (March 23). There may be limited first come, first serve spots available on clinic days (dependent on capacity). Patients are eligible for rides to/from the clinic on SunLine Transit Agency’s fixed route bus service. Details provided at wristband distribution.
Professional volunteers are still needed in numerous capacities including oral surgeons, dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental x-ray techs, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, ophthalmic techs, doctors, nurse practitioners, acupuncturists and chiropractors.
For more information on volunteering or receiving services, please visit www.californiacareforce.org or contact Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, Emerald Carroll, at 916-749-4170 or emerald@californiacareforce.org.
