Orange County Free Clinic is going the extra mile to celebrate five years of helping people who do not have the resources to get basic health care.
Thursday the clinic hosted a help fair, which is kind of like a health fair, only organizers say it encompasses so much more.
"It's important in these days when dollars are tight, for nonprofits to come together not be an island, nonprofits who are here to help each other, whether it's with jobs or health-related things," said April Taylor, the clinic's development director.
More than 20 agencies were on hand at the clinic on Thursday. Job training, medical help, and nutrition awareness are just some of the things they provided.
"It's hard for people to ask for help, sometimes people get this preconceived notion that people who come to a free clinic come because they want to, but we find people who it's hard to come to the doors, it's hard to come to the door and ask for help," Taylor said.
Margaret Tanner is a former patient of the Orange County Free Clinic. She says they helped her survive through a series of illnesses.
"Without the free clinic, I wouldn't be able to take care of myself or ease my pain," she said.
The staff says they see all types of illnesses, but the most diagnosed are things like hypertension, diabetes, and depression.
"It's not overly dramatic to say that we have seen…have had situations where we've been able to save a life by either directing them to right place, but just getting them in the door and getting them the help they need," Taylor said.
The clinic has grown from fewer than 100 patients to nearly 2,000. Organizers say they're sure even more people in the area could use the services, and they're urging anyone who is in need of medical care to contact them.
On Friday, the Lions Club will be conducting free sight, hearing, and glaucoma testing at the clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
