KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — A free clinic in Coeur d’Alene offered people a much-needed opportunity to address their health and wellbeing this week.
The clinic was put on by the organization Idaho Sonshine, which provides free healthcare to people living in and near Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.
Hundreds of people registered for the clinic and many said it was their only option for health care.
The clinic provided patients free healthcare services, including vision and dental, as well as haircuts, massages and chiropractic appointments.
Edward Blanchette visited the clinic as a dental patient.
“I’m happy that I could get this done without having to pay a monstrous amount of money,” he said.
Blanchette had two teeth removed that had been causing him a great deal of pain.
He is a Navy veteran, but said the VA doesn’t cover his dental care, so he is grateful to Idaho Sonshine.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more. I got in and out, I went to several different things here, and I got haircut,” said Blanchette.
The clinic is staffed by volunteer professionals and healthcare providers who find the work fulfilling.
“The patients are very appreciative of what we do. A lot of times when we’re done, they’re in tears and they want to give us a hug. They’re just very thankful we can help them in this way,” said volunteer dentist, Dr. Michael Lee.
The September clinic was Idaho Sonshine’s first, but the organization said it already has plans to bring the event back.
“We would like to add hearing aids. We were hoping to do hearing aids this year, but it didn’t pan out. Next year, if everything pans out, there will be hearing aids as well as legal advice,” said Reuben Rodriguez of Idaho Sonshine.
The clinic runs through Friday, September 20 at the Kootenai County Fair Grounds. Registration is in person. Everyone who registers between 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. is guaranteed to be seen for whatever they need. For more information, visit Idaho Sonshine’s guest services webpage and event page.
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