Free LA medical clinic to draw 5,000 uninsured

[October 20, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- More than 5,000 people are expected to show up for free medical care at a Los Angeles arena, starting Thursday.

The four-day clinic, organized by nonprofit CareNowLA, aims to provide health services for the impoverished and uninsured ranging from filling cavities to eye exams to cardiology checkups.

CareNowLA has lined up some 800 medical professionals to volunteer their services at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, but the nonprofit says still more dentists, nurse practitioners and primary care physicians are needed.

People lined up more than 24 hours in advance earlier this week to obtain wristbands that will allow them to enter the clinic. After treatment, patients will be referred to local medical centers that have offered to provide free follow-up care to the patients.

[Associated Press]

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