FREE CLINIC PROVIDES NEEDED HEALTH CARE IN OCALA
by Herb Pritchard
The FreeD.O.M. Clinic operated by United Hands, Inc., opened in Ocala, Fla., for five days, July 20-24. The Clinic’s mission is to provide free medical, optical, and dental, care for the indigent, homeless, and uninsured.
Pastor Monte Robison of Florida Conference’s Ocala Church and Pastor Curtis Crider of Southeastern Conference’s Shiloh Church realized the FreeD.O.M. Clinic would be an opportunity to do as Christ did in His outreach.
These churches were among other Adventist congregations that volunteered:
Florida Conference Churches
Belleview
Dunnellon
Marion Oaks
Ocala
Silver Springs Shores
Southeastern Conference Churches
Citra
Hernando
Shiloh
These churches formed a nucleus of support that included community volunteers from various faith groups. By the grace of God, a miracle opened the doors of a former 30,000-square-foot entertainment complex. A 12,000-square-foot canopy was also made available without cost.
Dental professionals cleaned and extracted teeth, performed root canals, and installed crowns. Audiologists tested hearing. Eye specialists tested vision and wrote prescriptions which each patient used to choose frames and order glasses which were available for pick up a few weeks later at one of the area Adventist churches.
Healthcare professionals provided general medical care, school physicals, vaccinations, and dietary/nutrition counseling. Haircuts, massages, and registration for future stop smoking and cooking classes were available.
At the last stop, 10 chaplains offered prayers and gave a free Bible to anyone interested. “I was a chaplain this week and loved it. I was so blessed,” testifies Dot Carey from Belleview Church. “The people were so grateful for provided services.”
“The Lord blessed mightily with many miracles and provisions,” says Ocala Church member Lori Doperalski. “The Holy Spirit moved on the hearts of volunteers and patients alike.” Lori was schedule coordinator for the 800 volunteers.
“My expectations were overwhelmingly exceeded in clients served, community support, and volunteer dedication.” said John Doperalski who provided logistics for paths to each service.
Ann Burnett, Director of the FreeD.O.M. Clinic, thanked volunteers for helping 2,470 patients.