“Mega-Clinic” Healthcare Outreach Launches in San Antonio
By AT News Team, April 8, 2015: More than 1,500 healthcare professionals and other volunteers have gathered in San Antonio, Texas, to operate a free medical and dental clinic for local residents, reports the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (NAD). Over three days (April 8 to 10), volunteers will donate an estimated $10 million in free health-related services at the Alamodome.
The event has been organized by Your Best Pathway to Health, an independent ministry with membership in Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), in partnership with the denomination, Adventist Health System, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and other entities. “Those who show up seeking care Wednesday, Thursday or Friday will not have to show any identification, health insurance or proof of income,” according to My San Antonio. “So many people suffer because they do not have insurance and cannot afford quality health care services,” said Dr. Lela Lewis in an Adventist Health System story. Lewis is president of Your Best Pathway to Health. “By offering a free clinic where no appointments, insurance, or identification are required, we hope to ease that suffering,” Lewis explained.
Costin Jordache, the spokesperson for the event, told My San Antonio that organizers “hope to care for 6,000 patients during the three-day event.” Appointments for the various services will be handed out on a first come, first served basis, and the team will strive to see as many patients as possible, according to a report by the Cosmetic Dentristry Guide.
Services will include primary care exams, pediatric exams, immunizations, women’s health exams, X-rays, heart evaluations, STD screenings, blood pressure testing, physical therapy, digestive evaluations, neurology exams and services, medial massage, laboratory services, lung care, arthritis evaluations, podiatry exams, eyeglass fittings and exams, pharmaceutical support and surgeries. Dental services include cleanings, root canals, crowns, fillings and extractions. Haircuts, chaplaincy services and meals will also be provided.
In addition to thousands of hours of service provided by healthcare professionals, the event is made possible by a large team of supporting volunteers. For instance, Anca Tanasa bought an airline ticket from England to volunteer at the clinic in registration. Tanasa, who is a senior management accountant and SunPlus consultant, told Adventist Today: “I felt touched when I heard about the mission of this event, helping people in their greatest need—health. I’m not a medical professional, but I still wanted to be of service. I work as an accountant, and my job is relevant behind the desk, but this one feels like a direct help to people. It’s closer to their needs.”
San Antonio will be the location for the next General Conference session (July 2-11, 2015), the administrative meeting of the world-wide governing body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Thousands of Adventists will gather from around the world for the event, which takes place every five years.
More information is available at: https://pathwaytohealthvolunteer.org
Related Article: Mission Trip Aims to Prepare San Antonio for World Church Gathering (March 26, 2015)
