Washington Free Clinic Association

C.A.R.E. Clinic coming to Washington on April 30, 2011

The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC), in partnership with the Washington Free Clinic Association, (WFCA) will be holding a one-day free clinic on Saturday, April 30, 2011 in the Tacoma Dome. The upcoming C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic is an opportunity for the community to come together to provide free primary and preventative health care services to an estimated 1,200 uninsured adult residents of the Seattle-Tacoma area. At a recent NAFC-sponsored C.A.R.E. Clinic in Charlotte, NC, 1,163 uninsured patients were able to receive services in just 6 hours of patient care. More importantly, the patients who required follow-up for serious conditions were connected with local resources for ongoing care. The Washington C.A.R.E. Clinic will offer medical, dental, and vision services, as well as community referrals for those with critical follow-up needs.

Volunteers are for all positions are still eeded, especially Doctors and Nurse Practitioners!

Register to volunteer for the Washington C.A.R.E. Clinic HERE.

Uninsured Washingtonians can now call 877-233-5159 to make an appointment for the C.A.R.E. Clinic.

This scheduling line is open from 8am-6pm EST.

What is a C.A.R.E. Clinic?

The first Communities Are Responding Everyday (C.A.R.E.) Clinic took place in Houston, TX in September 2009. C.A.R.E. Clinics are free healthcare events that are sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics in conjunction with local partners. C.A.R.E. Clinics can provide a variety of health care services, including medical, dental, vision, and counseling among others.

Who does the C.A.R.E Clinic Serve?

C.A.R.E. Clinics are organized to provide free health care services to the uninsured. Over 11,000 uninsured people have received health care services at the previous nine C.A.R.E. Clinics across the country. C.A.R.E. Clinics target adult uninsured populations, but care will be provided to children and youth who seek services. Patients will be screened regarding their insurance status only; documentation status, income, employment, and other criteria will not be screened.

How can I help support the Washington C.A.R.E. Clinic?

What else should I know about volunteering at the Washington C.A.R.E. Clinic?

The Washington C.A.R.E. Clinic will be held on Saturday April 30th in the Tacoma Dome. Patient appointment hours will be from 10am-6pm. Volunteers should plan to arrive by 8:30am for orientation. There are 3 volunteer shifts available between the hours of 8:30am-10:00pm. The National Association of Free Clinics has purchased malpractice liability coverage for all licensed health professionals. This coverage, provided by CNA, is $1M/$3M. State Medical Reserve Corps Members will also be covered under state Labor and Industries insurance for the duration of the clinic, including travel time. For more information about participating Medical Reserve Corps units, click here.

Volunteers do not have to be signed up for the Medical Reserve Corps to be able to participate in this event.

For volunteers who are coming from out of town, hotel rates have been negotiated with Best Western at the Tacoma Dome. Click here to find out how to make your reservation today.

Who organized the Washington C.A.R.E. Clinic?

The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) has sponsored nine previous C.A.R.E. Clinics across the country. Due to the generous contributions of many thousands of individuals, the NAFC will sponsor the 10th C.A.R.E. Clinic in Washington State, in partnership with the Washington Free Clinic Association. The NAFC is the only national non-profit organization whose mission is solely focused on the needs of free clinics and the populations they serve. They are providing malpractice insurance and financial support for the majority of this clinic’s expenses.

The Washington Free Clinic Association (WFCA) is a 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to strengthen and support the Free Clinics of Washington through advocacy, education and professional alliances. The WFCA currently represents 27 of the known 35 identified Free Clinics in Washington today. The WFCA is coordinating work between many community organizations to ensure a successful and meaningful clinic event.

Medical Reserve Corps units across Washington have mobilized to help staff this event.

Other key partners include: Pierce County Dentists Care, Pierce County Project Access, a local CitizenCorps group, and Pierce County Public Health among many others.

How Many Volunteers are needed to Staff this Event?

In order to ensure services to an estimated 1,200 or more patients, this event will mobilize an estimated 1,100 volunteers, including a significant number of non-clinical volunteers. Don’t wait, register to volunteer today!

Volunteers are needed for the following:

Medical Services

  • Physicians
  • ARNPs
  • PAs (with provider sponsor)
  • RNs
  • LPN/LVNs
  • EMTs
  • MAs/Lab Techs
  • LSW/MSW
  • Psychologist/Psychiatrists
  • Medical Students
  • Nursing Students
  • Pharmacists

Dental Services

  • Dentists
  • Oral Surgeons
  • Endodontists
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Dental Students

Vision Services

  • Optometrists
  • Opthamologists

Non-Clinical Positions

  • Volunteer Registration
  • Patient Registration
  • Entrance Monitors
  • Patient Checkout
  • Translators
  • Patient Escorts
  • And more!