Free health clinics for uninsured this week



A four day series of clinics providing free dental, medical and vision health services to people who are uninsured and can’t afford to pay for medical care will take place at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Exposition Park.

The CareNow/L.A. mobile clinics start this Thursday, October 20 and will run until Sunday, October 23, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers expect to serve about 1,200 people each day. Given the expected demand for the services, CareNow will hand out color-coded wristbands, assigning a day and time to attend the clinic. In order to get services, people must get a wristband.

Today, Monday, October 17 is the only day the wristbands will be distributed in advance of the clinics. They’ll be handed out starting at 1 pm on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each person will be able to choose the clinic day they want and get a wristband for that particular day.

CareNow says it will provide follow-up care for those who need it after the four-day event ends.

TV’s Dr. Oz, from “The Dr. Oz Show,” will be joining more than 800 medical volunteers at the massive free clinic.

CareNow is a nonprofit organization formed by the local organizers and healthcare professionals who helped produce three previous large scale urban free clinics in Southern California.

The non-profit estimates these events served 15,330 patients, providing free care valued at more than $7.1 million.

Healthcare in South Los Angeles means fewer services and longer waits



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