Large Free Clinic to Serve 250 More Patients Due to Volunteer Support

TACOMA, Wash., April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This Saturday's massive free medical clinic for the uninsured at the Tacoma Dome will add 250 more patient appointments as a result of an outpouring of support from medical and non-medical volunteers.

"We had planned to care for about 1,000 patients at Saturday's free clinic, but the great spirit of volunteerism among the people of Washington has allowed us to serve more patients," Nicole Lamoureux, executive director of the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC), said. "However, patients who want to take advantage of these additional appointments should call as soon as possible. The phone line for appointments will close at 4:00 p.m. today or whenever all of the slots are filled."

Patients who want to register for the clinic should call 877-233-5159 to make appointments. Walk-ups without appointments will be seen as resources are available, but there are no guarantees.

"We are pleased that this first large C.A.R.E. Clinic on the West Coast already is exceeding our expectations," Katie Rains, executive director of the Washington Free Clinic Association (WFCA), said. "More than 1,400 medical and non-medical personnel have volunteered for the one-day clinic for the uninsured."

The NAFC, in cooperation with the WFCA, is sponsoring the C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic at the Tacoma Dome, 2727 East D Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Information for patients and volunteers also is available online at www.freeclinics.us.

Each patient will see a medical practitioner for an initial examination. Based on that examination, the patient may receive one or more of the following services: electrocardiogram (EKG), cholesterol blood test, glucose test for diabetes, muscular-skeletal exam, urinalysis, hemoglobin test, pregnancy test and strep test. The patient also may receive additional services including vision exams and glasses (on a limited, first-come-first-served basis) and STD and HIV testing, as well as limited adult and child vaccinations. All patients will receive information on local safety-net providers, such as free clinics, and other resources in the area.

SOURCE National Association of Free Clinics

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