Free Health Care Services Offered to Residents in the Midlands

Are you in need of medical attention but can't afford to see a doctor and are uninsured? 

Starting this Friday, free medical, dental and vision care will be provided at the State Fairgrounds.

The SC Mission 2012 Midlands and South Carolina Dental Association Dental Access Days is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The event is for adults ages 17 and older.

Below is all the information you need to know if you plan to attend the event. Doctors expect they will be able to treat about 2,000 patients during the two-day event. 

Services offered 

• Medical: urgent care, diagnosis of acute and chronic medical conditions, and preventative health screenings and referrals.  
• Dental: education, cleaning, fillings and extractions.  
• Vision: comprehensive eye care, examination and glasses, if needed.  

Patients will receive information about follow-up care in their community. Prescriptions will be provided when necessary, but no narcotics will be available on site.

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 three services they want to receive and should be advised that they may not be able to receive all three services. Each patient will receive a packet of information about free health services in their county.

Where

Patients should enter the State Fairgrounds through Gate 6 on Assembly Street. The parking lot will open at 4 a.m. each morning of the event. You will not be able to park in the fairgrounds parking lot overnight. 

You should be prepared to wait in line to be seen. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will be in the 90s. Bring water and possibly a folding chair.  

For more information

Visit the United Way of the Midlands website, view the SC Mission 2012 Midlands blog or follow SC Mission 2012 Midlands on Twitter @SC_Mission.  An automated phone line has been set up with information for patients and volunteers at 803-296-2900. Check one of these resources for up-to-date information before and during the event.