LANCASTER – Dental fillings and cleanings, blood pressure checks, mammograms and acupuncture are just some of the free healthcare services that will be offered at the second Antelope Valley Mind and Body Health Event.
The event takes place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, October 6, at the Palmdale Learning Center, located at 38043 Division Street in Palmdale.
The LA County Department of Mental Health, along with the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and several local medical providers have teamed up to providing 12 hours of services, free to anyone who needs it, according to organizer Sonia Hicks.
“Right now we know that a lot of people are losing their jobs, losing insurance and they don’t have the whereabouts to get the services that they need, especially in the Antelope Valley. That’s one of the reasons we’re hosting this event,” Hicks said. “This is not a screening; these are actual services that are being provided.”
Complimentary services to be offered this Sunday include:
- Dental x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions;
- Diabetes checks;
- Vision checks (glaucoma and visual acuity);
- Mammograms;
- Acupuncture;
- General medical services; and
- Information on health care reform.
“We will also have a pharmacy there where you will be able to get your antibiotics for free,” Hicks said. The services will also include free haircuts and styling, courtesy of local hair salons, Hicks said.
“We’re not asking for any type of identification, anyone can come and get the services,” Hicks said, adding that services will be offered on a first come, first served basis. “We’re just asking you to come out and get the services if it’s what you need.”
At the inaugural event last year, more than 1,400 people were served, Hicks said. This time around, organizers are expecting at least 2,000 people.
“I encourage everyone to come out early. If you see a long line, don’t be discouraged because you will be served,” Hicks said.
Registration is preferred, but it is not required.
To RSVP for this event, contact Sonia Hicks at (661) 223-3817 or email SHicks@dmh.lacounty.gov. Click here to view a flyer for this event.
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Christina says
I’m not the one to take the time to write opinions or complaints on anything But I felt this one was necessary. I showed up to this event at 2:30pn because my 11month daughter broke out in a rash that has been spreading all over her body. I had been hearing about this event all week and after reading this article was excited to see that this was really to be there for the people and help the people. As I was walking up a “security guard” was waiving his hands to not walk his way. I thought he might have been talking to someone else or someone behind me. As I get closer he says ” we are not seeing anyone else” I’m a bit bummed because the article says it will be open till 6pm and they will make sure to see Everyone “even if there is a long line.” So I ask him nicely, there’s no way you guys can see my baby? She’s suffering from this rash and he VERY RUDLY said NO! Now look I get it I’m not upset that they couldn’t see me But his body language and the way he told me was just rude. I responded and told him you don’t have to be rude I was just asking a question and again RUDLY he says “And I Was Answering you…. NO!” I just can’t believe how I was treated. I don’t use profanity EVER but I really was upset and stressed due to my child’s condition. I said “you don’t have to be an a** and he told me “Get outta here or I will call the cops to get you.” I’m in shock…. I can’t believe I was treated like this. It sounded like such a good cause. Now let me clarify I am NOT mad I wasn’t seen I’m completely disappointed in the way I was treated. Unless you want to be treated extremely low I would NOT attend this EVER again or Anything like this
ARMY MOM to THREE US SOLDIERS says
You were not the only one turned away. My son went to get a medical clearance so that he can start work. He needs the clearance due to multiple IED incidents in Afghanistan. He has been on the waiting list for the his VA benefits since October 2012! Not only was he turned away, the security guard was screaming at him “can you not hear me? I said they are NOT seeing anyone else! That includes you!” My son has less than 20% hearing in his left ear & only 60% in his right. No, he COULDN’T hear you, that is why he was there! I just want to say it’s shameful how people were treated by this animal (security guard)! Thanks for nothing… Again!
sjgranai says
The security guard is a jerk. He swears he is a cop. Has been an arrogant ass for years. Lived across the street from him for a while. He tried to regulate the neighbors…sad sad man.
Denise Latanzi says
This is a great event, and the Antelope Valley should be proud we have the dedicated Ms. Hicks that works like a super hero to bring this event here.
Last year, people started lining up overnight to get services. Not people that were trying to take advantage of anything, but real people who simply have no health insurance, or no dental insurance, to take care of their needs.
These people wait in line for hours for something that most of us take for granted, basic, basic medical care.
I’m grateful that we have people in this community like Ms. Hicks, proud of Palmdale School District for hosting this event, and happy we have it. One event that makes a huge difference for so many people. Thank you!
BringIt! says
Yay!! So excited for this!!!! I have cavities that have been KILLING ME!!! And those temporary fillings only last for so long. :(…. Oh, by the way, my husband and I both work and both have health insurance. But, unfortunately, after paying our mortgage, utilities, insurance, etc… and feeding our children, we don’t have the extra THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS the dentist wants to charge us out of our own pockets for our dental work!! WTF R WE PAYING $600+ a month for this damn insurance for anyway?? We can’t afford to get the work done anyway!!! Damned if u do, damned if ya don’t!! Do go ahead and judge me!!!! Ill be the girl with sparkly clean teeth and no cavities!!! ;)
Find new friends says
Once upon a time Americans cared for Americans. So sad things have changed
More freebies says
You will see the same people at this event who show up at every giveaway.
Their kids will all be dressed in matching outfits with matching shoes and hair stuff. Moms will be designer from head to toe, with Ed Hardy, LV and Coach bags, driving Mercedes, Denali’s and other expensive cars. Nails, hair and makeup perfect. These will be the same people who are getting student loans and not attending school and govmt paid daycare when they don’t take their kid to daycare. The same people who have big expensive baby showers and birthday parties for their little kids. Food stamps, free or cheap housing program, iphones and welfare. They probably have medi cal cards, but can’t resist the freebies and to network with all the other moochers. Like a big family reunion!
It’s great that a community would do this. I wish there was an effective way to screen kids and families.
LoveAV says
If you have such a problem with this, how about you take your self and move. If you don’t already know, 900+ ppl lost their job at BofA, another group of people are losing their job at KMart and coutless others that just can’t get a break. Yet you have no empathy. Your will probably be one of the ppl who will be in line on Sunday, hypocritcally judging the people around you while benefiting all the same. Shame on you. You have no idea how helpful this will be, even for those that are working and still can’t hardly afford these basic services!
Marc B says
This isn’t the Wild West anymore. We’re a community of civilized people, mostly, doing things that matter for our community. Providing healthcare at a free or reduced direct cost to AV residents who need it is an admirable undertaking. If you have readily accessible healthcare already, be grateful, but don’t begrudge those who address their own healthcare needs as opportunities present themselves.
More freebies says
You guys are hilarious.
I simply stated the obvious. I made it real clear that I wasn’t talking about the new members of the unemployed. (BOA or KMart) I was (am) talking about the people who collect freebies regardless of whether they need them. The people who show up at every giveaway and have for 2 or 3 generations. The people who wouldn’t work if you gave them a paying job and offered to take them to and from work everyday. Those people…
I really wish there was a way to screen people that would keep all the con artist moms and grandmas from showing up and claiming poverty, when their conditions are their choice.
Ready, set, attack!
[removed] says
Hopefully I am the first to attack. You are an idiot! Filled with negativity and I sure hope you are NOT sitting on a church board. Gives the rest of us a bad name.
FosterMom says
awww. bummer. My FULL name was cut off. It said BoughtACoachbagFor12Dollars.
And the kids match because there a LOT of them left in my care and I don’t want to lose them in big crowds. No Denali though
More freebies says
I didn’t mean your kids match each other…I meant their each have shoes, top, shorts or pants, hats…everything the same brand and color so their outfits all match. Not all wearing purple or red or blue.
And as for your Coach bag for $12…people who carry fake bags and wear fake designer clothes are wannabes. They do it trying to look like something they will never work hard enough to be. The only way they will get a real one is spend their whole welfare check on it, steal it or sugar daddy or pimp will buy it for them.
I actually really do think this is a great event, in theory. Screening is an issue.
PissedOffNative says
Screw that! Sure KMart is closing sure BOFA if canning folks, people lose their jobs because of different things. The appliance store on the Blvd was there for years but “didn’t fit the image” was good enough, wasn’t it LoveAV? Now a second hand thrift store sits in the shadow of the age old appliance shop. A second hand store fits the image with its dirty clothes strewn across the walls…
I lost my job working at KMart, welfare turned me down cause I actually pot fourth gumption and bought a diverse portfolio (for my age) in stocks and the gvmnt said that at any moment I could sell said stocks and have a couple hundred. TIME TO GET A JOB!
The worst part of this story is the actual point of my argument and why I side with More Freebies, the whole time I worked, Fubu and south pole, Ed Hardy and Ms 23yrs old and have a 2013 dodge challenger paid by “slingin and $220 x how many kids she got” from obama. These are the people that flood the ranks of any place with a hand out.
The extravagant clothing jewelry and hats and glasses that the MEN and women wear are the only thing that is bright in the entire idea of having an potentially order controlled event while three flocks of the same family see each other for the first time in a year and let every one else know it…
PissedOffNative says
CIVILIZED?? What party of this beautiful civilized town do you live in? Lollipop lane at the crossroads of BS Blvd & Denial terrace? Our do you even live in this city? If you do and still feel this way, I feel bad you have lost your sight and hearing ability, but wake up! Either you are a sherrif lackey, lackey for the firm, elrich (still not sure what GOOD ideas he laid out), our the a$$ wipe himself our you are just one who its still sleeping. Your comment has to be sarcasm, right?….
Jo says
Wow, you sound like a really hateful and selfish person. May God have mercy on your soul.