Thousands Turn out for Free Health Clinic
Up to 1,000 people each day are expected to receive free health care during the three-day clinic.
More than 1.5 million people in Illinois are uninsured, and many others have just bare bones coverage.
That’s why more than 600 medical professionals from 24 states came to Malcolm X college Friday for a three-day clinic in which dentists, doctors, opthalmologists, and many others are working for free: offering health care to people who couldn’t otherwise afford it -- or have never even had it.
For the hundreds of people who lined up starting at 3 a.m. Friday, this may be the only way to get a medical evaluation, or maybe the first time they’ve had one in years.
Dr. Ken Nelson, of the Illinois non-profit CURE, helped spearhead the movable clinic.
He said one exam can lead to another. People may come in to get their teeth cleaned and their eyes checked and learn that they have diabetes, for example.
It’s expected the clinic will serve 1,000 people a day from its location at 1900 West Jackson. But organizers say the more volunteers they have, the more people they can help.
They’re putting out a call for medical professionals, especially dental assistants, nurses and optometrists.
Whether you’d like to help, or need some help, you can learn more by logging on to www.curenetwork.org or call 877-278-7631.
Posted Friday, Aug 19, 2011 - 4:50 PM CST
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