Around 100 people were expected at a free healthcare clinic Saturday at Highview Middle School in New Brighton.
It's the first time Compassion Connect, a community health clinic led by local churches, has organized a free healthcare clinic in Minnesota.
Those attending the free clinic will have access to medical check-ups, basic dental care, chiropractic care, foot care, and haircuts. COVID-19 vaccines are also available for anyone 12 years of age or older.
Clinic coordinator Shelli Streeper said they were encouraged to hold the clinic as more COVID restrictions were lifted in Minnesota.
"We know there are a lot of underinsured people in our community who don't have access to this sort of basic care," Streeper said. "We really wanted to do it from that perspective, but also for people who haven't received care in the past year due to COVID."
Those seeking the free medical services on Saturday could make an appointment, but walk-ups were also being accepted.
"We actually felt really confident with over half of the appointment spots preregistered and filled," said Streeper.
Insurance was not a requirement for Saturday's clinic that was scheduled to run until 4 p.m. Streeper said that there were two areas in particular that drew the biggest demand.
"We had a lot of preregistered appointments for the dental area and for the vision screenings," she said. "People were eager to get their vision screened and potentially receive free glasses all at the same time."
44 medical and dental providers came together to offer free services to those in need.
Hope Dental Clinic helped organize the event, assisted with obtaining licenses and getting equipment.
"This isn't just about medical and dental. It's about making a statement of unity in neighborhoods and cities where division and apathy kind of reign," said Milan Homala, Compassion Connect cofounder and executive director. "It really is a work of collaboration and compassion. We just use medical and dental as a way of showing that the world doesn't have to be so divided against each other."
Walk-ups are welcome at the clinic which runs until 4 p.m. Saturday in New Brighton.
