Oxnard Medical Camp: Southern California
The SSIO Pacific South Region hosted its annual Oxnard free medical screening camp at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Elementary School in Oxnard, California on Sunday, October 21, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The screening services offered included vision exams, dental screens, lab draws, primary care medical evaluation of the lab work, mammograms performed on site, pap exams and nutrition counseling.
The local hospital, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, was a vital partner in providing these medical services. Free eye glasses donated by the Lions Club were available for patients who needed them. Every family or individual also received 2 bags of groceries.
More than 300 volunteers served at the camp: doctors from a wide range of medical specialties, nurses, Spanish translators, local church volunteers and SSIO volunteers from nearby Sai Centers who helped with organizing the camp. The pool of medical volunteers were drawn from local hospitals, nursing schools, public health departments and community clinics.
The camp served 391 patients. Many of the volunteers also received free medical screening. Some expressed gratitude for being able to get their blood work and mammogram completed, and receive free eye glasses, all in the same day.
In preparation for the medical camp, many volunteers, including those from Casa De Vida, an alcohol rehab center, helped to set up the exam booths and tables the day before the camp. The SSEHV children helped fill the 800 grocery bags with rice, beans, lentils, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, oatmeal, cooking oil and bread. The children’s enthusiasm was infectious and inspired all. Young and old worked together harmoniously to prepare a welcoming and healing environment for the patients.