Northern California Clinic, U.S.A

In the Western Association, the Order operates two free medical clinics, one in the MacArthur Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the other within the Christ the Light Cathedral complex in Oakland, California.  

Both identify unmet medical needs, provide direct medical care when possible, and facilitate referrals to appropriate cooperating medical and social agencies.

Both clinics provide free medical care, primarily to the uninsured poor and sick, and the homeless.  The clinics offer physical exams, laboratory testing, x-rays, electrocardiograms, ultrasounds, and immunization.  Patients often suffer from chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and asthma.  The clinic provide immunizations for tetanus and influenza and tuberculosis skin testing.  The clinics do not perform surgery or other invasive procedures.

Each clinic is staffed by volunteer physicians and nurses.  For example, in the Oakland clinic, 12 physicians donate an average of six hours each week, 24 nurses donate an average of three hours each week, and four clerical volunteers assist with paperwork and provide translation services, as required, in three languages (Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog).   The Oakland clinic also has a nurse practioner on staff.

Responsible Organisation: Western Association

Skills

Posted on

July 18, 2012