Free – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care in Los Angeles

By David Ball

August 11th-18th The Forum in Inglewood will transform into a large free clinic, and will treat an estimated 1,200 people a day – possibly more depending on the final number of volunteers and participating organizations.

The event is being planned and will be operated by Remote Area Medical, an all volunteer charity providing free care to uninsured, underinsured and indigent individuals throughout the United States . RAM has organized and conducted 572 events to date. Visit www.ramusa.org to learn more about this organization, and click on the “60 Minutes” link to see that program’s revealing story on RAM and its work.

Free care will be provided to anyone who needs it, without cost of any kind to the patient, the taxpayer or the government. There is no income test, no insurance requirement, no restriction of any kind.

Medical and non-medical personnel will all be volunteers; supplies and equipment will be donated or provided by RAM. The Forum is being made available through the generosity of the Faithful Central Bible Church , owners of the facility.

We expect there to be 100 dental stations, 45 medical exam rooms, 25 eye exam stations. Dentistry will include cleanings, extractions, fillings, restorative procedures and root canals. Prescription eye glasses will be ground and fitted on-site. Minor dermatological and other medical procedures will be performed.

Pediatricians and pediatric dentists will be present. Follow-up care will be arranged for those who need it, with most referrals to private sector practices and facilities. There will be a strong emphasis on education, prevention and self-care. Mammography, pap smears, chest x-rays, diabetes screening, blood pressure screening, and other services will be provided. Healthcare foundations and agencies will be invited to distribute patient education materials.