Nearly 450 people received medical, dental, and vision services April 23-24
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) was the lead funder of a free two-day pop-up clinic delivering dental, vision, and medical care to those in need at the Pennsylvania Convention Center April 23-24. The event was hosted by Remote Area Medical®, DentMed, and the City of Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
Nearly 450 people received care at no cost at the Convention Center, which was temporarily transformed to accommodate clinical services including EKGs, pap smears, blood sugar testing, Covid-19 vaccinations, teeth cleanings and fillings, and eye exams. Parked onsite was a mobile unit where technicians made eyeglasses in 15 minutes.
“We were proud to be involved in this effort to make health care services and resources easily accessible to thousands of area residents.” said Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation. “It is our mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and it’s possible with leadership and collaboration.”
One in four people live below the federal poverty line in Philadelphia. There is a direct socioeconomic link between poverty and lack of access to preventative care, leading to unmet health needs.
The Foundation has been committed to improving access to care in underserved communities for more than a decade, awarding nearly $30 million to health centers that provide free or affordable care to diverse communities in our region.
