Healthcare Professionals Offer Free Services

Healthcare Professionals Offer Free Services For Uninsured

INDIO — Free dental, vision and medical care will be offered to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families in the Coachella Valley area March 27 and 28 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 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 68 dental chairs, 16 medical exam rooms, and ten 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 13,000 patients, for a total value of health care services estimated at $5.4 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 on a first come, first serve basis at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday (March 26) and Friday (March 27). There will be a stand-by line on clinic days, with no guarantee of being seen. Sunline Transit Agency will be offering free rides to and from the clinic to all wristbanded patients.

Professional healthcare volunteers are still needed in numerous capacities including oral surgeons, dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental x-ray techs, opticians, ophthalmic techs, physicians, nurse practitioners, RNs, EMTs, acupuncturists and chiropractors.

For more information on volunteering or receiving services, please click here or contact Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, Emerald Carroll, at 916-749-4170 or emerald@californiacareforce.org.