Free Medical, Eye Care Event Starts Friday at State Fairgrounds

For the third year in a row, hundreds of health care providers are volunteering their services to provide free medical and eye care for those in need. 

The 2013 SC Mission Midlands will be held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. to noon Saturday at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The State Fairgrounds parking lot will open for patients at 5 a.m. each morning. Patients should enter through Gate 6 on Assembly Street. Overnight parking is not allowed. 

The free health clinic is for adults ages 17 and older. This year, no dental services will be provided. 

Below is a list of primary services that will be offered:

Medical services: urgent care; diagnosis of acute and chronic medical conditions and referrals; diagnostic education for diabetes and high blood pressure; HIV testing; mammography; and physical therapy and domestic violence education. Patients can also sign up for Welvista to receive free prescription medication. 

Eye care: comprehensive eye care, examinations and glasses.

Process

Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.  Services will close when the maximum capacity is reached for the event. Organizers say patients should prioritize which of the services they want to receive and should be advised that they may not be able to receive all services. Each patient will receive a packet of information about free health services in their county. No documentation or identification is needed to receive care.