3,200 Healthcare Volunteers From More Than 100 Organizations Convene at the Los Angeles Sports Arena to Kick Off One of the Largest Free Clinics in the Nation

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CareNow today kicked off the largest free healthcare clinic in the United States. In partnership with Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and numerous health organizations, including the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Catholic Healthcare West, L.A. Care Health Plan and the Southside Coalition of Community Health Centers, among others, CareNow will provide free medical, dental and vision services to those in need beginning today through October 23 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena located at 3939 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.

"An event like this puts a face to the staggering state of healthcare in our country," said Don Manelli, president of CareNow. "But the overwhelming response of volunteers and the ability of our community to come together and help our own is almost as gratifying as being able to help people get the quality care they need."

"As a result of unemployment and the rising cost of healthcare, many county residents find themselves without access to medical, dental, and vision care," said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. "We are now seeing an unprecedented level of need and suffering, as long-untreated ailments become chronic conditions. For the next four days, however, thousands of uninsured and unemployed Los Angeles County residents will receive vital healthcare services without cost to themselves, the taxpayers or the government. Purely voluntary — doctors, dentists, nurses and other health workers all donate their services for this extraordinary event. CareNow is a testament to both generosity of spirit and compassion."

"Everyone has the right to access quality health care services," said Mark Meyers, president of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center and Senior Vice President of Operations in the Los Angeles area for Catholic Healthcare West, the largest private safety-net provider in California. "We see the impact of the nation's current health system in our hospitals and clinics every day. We're grateful for this opportunity to partner with CareNow and further our mission of connecting people who don't have insurance with the ongoing healthcare services they need and deserve."

"We are thrilled to be able to serve children and families who are long overdue for checkups," said Debra Boudreaux, CEO of the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation. "Although this is not a long-term solution to their healthcare needs, it is definitely making a positive impact right here, right now."

"We are pleased to be a returning sponsor of the country's largest free clinic, which is providing an even broader range of healthcare services, including follow-up care, fundamental to helping improve the health of those who most lack access to care," said Howard Kahn, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan. "This clinic, operating for a few days, can make a big difference in the lives of many of the 2 million uninsured residents in L.A. County."

"We are so pleased that CareNow has recognized the importance of connecting patients at this event with local community health centers," said Nina Vaccaro, Executive Director, Southside Coalition of Community Health Centers. "During this week's event, the members of the Southside Coalition, along with our community health center colleagues across Los Angeles County, have committed to making appointments on site for those individuals that need follow-up care as they leave the event. We will also provide information and resources for those individuals that may not need a follow-up appointment today but lack a medical home."

All services are being offered free to uninsured, underinsured and unemployed individuals and families who cannot afford the care they need. For more information please visit us at www.carenowusa.org, follow us on Twitter @CareNowUSA or like us on Facebook.com/CareNow USA.

CareNow thanks its partners and sponsors including: Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Catholic Healthcare West, L.A. Care Health Plan, Southside Coalition of Community Health Centers, the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Exposition Park, VSP Vision Care, Essilor Laboratories, VOSH, Southern California School of Optometry, Edelman, Dewey Square Group, zPaper, Salesforce Foundation, Anthem Blue Cross, Molina Healthcare, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, The California Endowment, Los Angeles Dental Society, AD+World Health, Leonie de Picciotto and Mitch Rose, McCormick Ambulance, SCAN Health Plan, Providence Healthcare, School of Dentistry at UCLA , Western University of Health Sciences, Orange County Community Foundation, Cypress LLP, Care1st Health Plan, Direct Relief USA, Discus Dental/Philips, Downey Regional Medical Center, El Pollo Loco, Fresh & Easy, GlaxoSmithKline, Harbor Dental Society, Henry Schein Dental, Hu-Friedy, Los Angeles Dental Hygiene Association, Frontline Management, Milestone Scientific, Operation USA, Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley Dental Society, School of Dentistry at Loma Linda University, Ultra Light Optics, TDIC Solutions, PRNewswire and Western Society.

About CareNow

CareNow brings help and hope to the uninsured and underserved in America's urban centers. The organization works with local community resources and volunteers to produce free clinics providing comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care to individuals and families who are without access to the healthcare they need. There is no cost to the patient for the services provided. Clinics are staffed by professional and general volunteers, and supported by donations – both financial and in-kind - from local and national supporters. To learn more about CareNow and this year's clinic, please visit the organization's website at www.carenowusa.org.

SOURCE CareNow