Free Health Care Clinic for the Uninsured Returns to New Orleans in Time of Oil Crisis

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- During this time when many people are still suffering from the effects of the oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, the area's uninsured residents will be able to receive medical care during a two-day free medical clinic in New Orleans on Tuesday, August 31, and Wednesday, September 1. The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC), sponsor of the free clinic at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, is calling on volunteers to sign up to help.

"This free clinic will be held exactly five years after Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath devastated New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast," NAFC Executive Director Nicole Lamoureux said. "Five years later, as an oil-related disaster threatens the livelihoods of many of the area's residents, those who still need help will find free medical care there and be connected to additional area resources available to them."

This free C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic is not just for the sick but also for anyone who is uninsured and has not seen a doctor recently. All participants will receive preventive primary medical care and be connected to the area's safety-net providers such as free clinics.

Since last September, more than 9,200 uninsured patients received treatment at C.A.R.E. Clinics in Houston, New Orleans, Little Rock, Kansas City, Hartford, Atlanta, and most recently in Washington, D.C.

Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to participate in this two-day free clinic. Information on the event and how to register is available online at: www.freeclinics.us. Volunteers are needed not only on the days of the event, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, but also to help with set up on Aug. 30. Uninsured patients can make an appointment by calling 877-236-7617.

Patients will be seen at the clinic on Aug. 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sept. 1 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers hours will be on Aug. 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (set-up), August 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sept. 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

SOURCE National Association of Free Clinics