3 months ago
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The National Association of Free Clinics is the non-profit organizations behind the event. It's an advocacy organization for the more than 1,200 free medical clinics nationwide, but officials say free clinics are not the solution for the uninsured.
One by one uninsured Arkansans are called to see a doctor for a physical and routine health screenings free of charge.
Asa Muhammad says, "I have had health insurance for my family for the last 14-years, now since I don't have a job, no insurance. If I could afford to buy insurance I would."
Muhammad was laid off a year ago and wants proper health care for his kids. He says, "You are afraid that they might get hurt. You don't want to be burden with an emergency bill or any medical bills at all. It's difficult, it's sad, but it's difficult."
According to the National Association of Free Clinics, from 2006 to 2008 about 490,000 Arkansans went without health insurance and 83 percent of free clinic patients nationwide have jobs.
Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter says, "I met a woman who hasn't seen a physician in 5-years."
Halter arranged the location for the clinic. He continues, "These free clinics are certainly not the desirable solution, but they are an important part of filling a very important gap. We simply must have comprehensive health care reform. Our health care system cost too much, leaves too many people uncovered."
Until then, folks here will get information on local free clinics for follow-up care.
Dr. Kimberly Garner adds, "Our health care system is broken and we need prevention of problems, we don't need to wait to treat somebody until they're sick. These people aren't the people that are homeless or anything like that. They fall in that area where they don't qualify for any kind of benefits, but they can't afford health care."
Muhammad is hopeful for change. He concludes, "If God blesses me to get a job that offers insurance, I would still like to see everyone else that does not have health insurance, have it because it's important."
Saturday's event couldn't have happened without the 1,200 Arkansas volunteers. The majority of free medical clinics are not state or federally funded. More than 4-million people received care at a free clinic in 2008.
For information on free medical clinics in Arkansas, click on the link under the picture.
