Uninsured D.C. Residents Turn Out in Droves for Free Care

News Type:

News Article

August 5, 2010

Issue Areas:

Coverage, Disparities, Vulnerable Populations

The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) was on site at the Convention Center to take in the scene as D.C. residents showed up in mass on August 4th to receive free health care sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics (Free Clinics). Patients received HIV testing, cancer screening, heart disease screening, diabetes screening and physical examinations if they have not seen a doctor in years. The event was for uninsured patients only. Over 800 doctors and support staff volunteered their time to make the event possible. The event marked the first time in D.C.’s history that a large scale free clinic was offered to uninsured residents.

The Washington Post estimates that roughly 2,000 people turned out. Similar events sponsored by Free Clinics in Kansas City and Houston drew similar numbers according to unofficial estimates. At the time that NCHC was present, there were roughly 100 to 200 people waiting upstairs in line and another 200 people receiving care downstairs. Those waiting in line represented a wide array of people. Some were dressed in business attire and appeared to be on lunch break. Others were dressed in jeans and t-shirts. While the mood could not be described as celebratory, it was decidedly upbeat. The next Free Clinics event will be held in New Orleans on August 31st and September 1st.

Click Here for Information on the Upcoming Free Clinics Event in New Orleans, Including How you Can Volunteer

Photos courtesy of Tim Hiller

National Coalition on Health Care

1120 G Street, NW Suite 810, Washington, DC 20005

Tel: 202.638.7151 Fax: 202.638.7166