The Seattle/King County Clinic, held at the Seattle Center from October 23-26, was an amazing community effort that provided free medical, dental, and vision services for 3,386 people, staffed entirely by volunteers. The event also was an opportunity to enroll those eligible for low cost health insurance and connect people to long term health care. We were proud to be one of the 70+ local organizations that pulled it together, with technical assistance from the nonprofit Remote Area Medical.
Demand was high for services, and many people waited through the night inside the Seattle Center before the early morning check-in.
©2014 Auston James
The clinic was entirely staffed by 1400 volunteers, including members of our staff and our Public Health Reserve Corps.
©2014 Auston James
Public Health Reserve Corps members volunteered 2400 hours to the clinic, including Jaideep Singh Chimni.
©2014 Auston James
The luxury suites in Key Arena were converted into exam rooms where patients received a wide range of medical services, including ultrasounds, mammograms, X-rays, wound care, lab tests, flu shots, and acupuncture.
©2014 Auston James
“It just made me appreciate the public health side of emergency management even more, ” said Aaron Surprenant, who works with the Public Health Reserve Corps. “I love what I do and I love being able to use our volunteers to help people in need. ”
©2014 Auston James
Over 1,700 people received free dental care, including fillings, x-rays, crowns, and extractions.
©2014 Auston James
Dorene Hersh, Public Health’s Chief of Nursing, advised the planners of the clinic and volunteered on site.
©2014 Auston James
Free vision care was offered to adults and children.
©2014 Auston James
Over 1000 free pairs of glasses were made on-site for patients.
©2014 Auston James
Julia Colson, the Project Director, and Public Health’s Dave Nichols kept the logistics running smoothly.
“As a non medical person, I don’t really have contact with folks directly in my job,” said Nichols. “It was heartening to get out and actually see the need and help take care of some of that need.”
©2014 Auston James
Brooks Shoes donated many hundreds of shoes for those getting foot care services.
©2014 Auston James
Public Health Preparedness staff contacted Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response to provide service dogs at the clinic. The dogs helped relieve stress and anxiety for patients waiting for care.
©2014 Auston James
Dr. Tao Kwan-Gett, Director of the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at UW, coordinated evaluation efforts.
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