Medical Screening, Oxnard, Southern California
The annual Oxnard Medical Screening was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School in Oxnard, CA on Sunday October 15, 2017. Most of the 476 patients served came from the predominantly Hispanic Catholic parish. The church community warmly welcomed the 130 volunteers from the Sathya Sai International Organization. They coordinated the event and assisted with translation, registration, and ushering patients, which led to excellent seamless patient care. Doctors, nurses and dietitians from local hospitals and clinics carried out various health screening procedures. These included blood tests to check for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and also blood pressure checks. Patients also had access to dental exams, pap smears, mammograms and eye exams. Free eye glasses were provided to over 350 participants.
One of the patients expressed her gratitude and joy to receive her first pair of glasses and, for the first time, be able to see with clarity. Another patient expressed great satisfaction with how the doctor took time to answer all her questions patiently, providing her a greater understanding of her health issues. Another gentleman shared his gratitude and relief to have completed his blood work and be given a clean bill of health. For many patients, this screening was the only access to healthcare they had experienced in years. In addition, given the impoverished conditions of many patients, each was sent home with two bags of groceries.
Patients expressed their appreciation for the loving service and respect shown by the community volunteers, many of whom have served in this annual project for many years. Jose, director of Casa de Vida, was volunteering on the day of his daughter’s wedding. Dressed in his tuxedo, he helped set up tents for patients to get their flu shots and register for the screenings. He shared how serving and giving back to one's own community is part of the healing and recovery process for him and his residents. Another patient stated that they want to help serve next year. “I’m poor, but I know people in the food industry who might want to donate food next year. I want to help, too.”