On October 6, Rosemead, a city in Los Angeles County with a vibrant Chinese community, hosted a large-scale free medical clinic that attracted over 500 local residents seeking various medical services. The clinic offered a range of care from specialists in dentistry, ophthalmology, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Hosted by the Wealth by Health Foundation, the event kicked off at 9 AM and ran until 4 PM. However, by 6 AM, a long line had already formed outside the Rosemead Community Center, growing as the morning progressed. Kevin Ip, the Executive Director of the foundation, shared that they had over 300 scheduled appointments and an additional 200 walk-ins, resulting in more than 500 patients treated throughout the day.
Among the attendees was Ms. Lin from Monrovia, who brought her friend in a wheelchair for medical assistance. She expressed her gratitude for the foundation’s efforts, saying she makes it a point to attend whenever she can. On this particular day, she sought dental and eye care services. “The doctors here are incredibly patient and thorough,” she noted. “Plus, the volunteers provide translation services in Chinese, which makes a big difference. Even with the high number of patients, everything went smoothly.”
Organizers emphasized that dental and eye care were the most in-demand services at the clinic. “A lot of people don’t have dental or vision insurance, so this free clinic is vital for them,” one organizer explained. Patients continued to arrive throughout the day, taking advantage of dental services like cleanings, fillings, and extractions, alongside ophthalmology services that included vision checks, eye disease diagnoses, and even complimentary prescription glasses.
Ms. Pan, a recent immigrant from China who has been in Los Angeles for a little over a month, also took part in the free clinic. Lacking health insurance made it tough for her to seek care. “This event came at just the right time for me. I’ve been dealing with a rash, and today I can consult both Western and traditional Chinese doctors, which really puts my mind at ease,” she shared.
Traditional Chinese medicine saw a significant turnout as well, particularly with Dr. Ji Rongyuan, who is renowned for his acupuncture and massage techniques. One woman recounted her ongoing struggle with finger pain that had persisted for months, explaining that previous medications had not worked. Thanks to Dr. Ji’s acupuncture and massage, she reported experiencing notable relief.
In addition to the free clinic, the foundation collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to conduct an “Oral Health Education Workshop.” Participants received valuable information on topics such as prenatal care and oral hygiene. A total of 129 healthcare professionals and volunteers contributed to the event, with university professors bringing students to lend a hand. Organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Without the support from various sectors of society, we wouldn’t be able to effectively serve the community.”
