Coachella Valley Residents: Free Medical, Dental, Eye Care Today

COACHELLA VALLEY -- Free medical, vision and dental care is being offered in Indio today for uninsured and underinsured people throughout the Coachella Valley.

Individuals and families interested in the free services do not need to provide proof of insurance, employment, income, residency, immigration status or identification, organizers said. The free clinic is stationed at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio starting from 6:30 a.m. today through Sunday.

``The clinic will have 70 dental chairs, 20 medical exam rooms, and 10 vision lanes,'' California CareForce organizers announced. ``A vision lab will produce free prescription eyeglasses on-site. Dentistry will include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions in addition to partial dentures.
Medical doctors will provide services ranging from consultation and diagnosis to minor medical procedures while nurses will staff triage areas and provide medical assistance.''

A limited number of wristbands guaranteeing next-day service will be distributed at 4 p.m. today and Saturday, according to the CareForce website.

Wristbands may not be transferred to another individual and only one wristband will be given per person for each clinic day.

Additional details regarding the free services and transportation will be provided to patients when they receive a wristband.

More information is available at http://www.californiacareforce... .

City News Service contributed to this report.