The Seattle/King County Clinic returns for the tenth year to Seattle Center on April 24-27, offering free medical, dental, and vision services to anyone who struggles to get the healthcare they need.
Serving 3,000 adults and children
Seattle Center and Seattle Center Foundation organize the clinic, bringing together healthcare organizations, Public Health Reserve Corps members, Public Health—Seattle and King County staff, and volunteers from civic agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses to transform Seattle Center facilities into a healthcare operation. All licensed healthcare professionals and general support volunteers donate their time and expertise. The goal? To serve 3,000 people — including children in need of care — during the four days. Over the last decade, the annual clinic has served 33,000 patients, saving them $26 million in out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Who is the clinic for?
All are welcome to attend the free clinic. Patients do not need proof of income, insurance, housing, or immigration status to receive care. Patients will not be asked for ID or documentation of any type, and interpretation services will be available. Further, patients need not be Seattle or King County residents to receive care.
What services are offered for free?
The three-day Seattle/King County clinic will offer free healthcare in several health areas, including:
- Dental: Get treatment for pain or discomfort, known or suspected cavities, swollen gums, or broken teeth.
- Vision: Receive vision screening, complete eye exams, reading, and prescription eyeglasses. Bring a current prescription (less than 2 years old) to skip the eye exam and get eyeglasses.
- Medical: Volunteers will provide primary care, x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, select lab tests, immunizations, foot care, dermatology, physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, behavioral health, and more.
- Social services: Social workers and health insurance navigators will be on hand.
How to be seen
As is the case each year, a limited number of admission tickets will distributed, beginning at 5:30 a.m. each day. Clinic entrance tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis (one ticket per person) in Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. Each ticket is only good for the day it is received. Patients may come to the clinic on multiple days but must go through the ticket process each day. Be prepared for a long day with food, comfortable clothing, and daily medications.
All hand on deck
Clinic organizers are seeking general support volunteers, healthcare professionals, social workers, health insurance navigators, and interpreters to fill a range of volunteer functions and shifts. Thousands of volunteer hours are donated each year. In the 10 years it’s been running, more than 31,000 and 100 organizations have participated in the event.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Individuals may register at seattlecenter.org/volunteers.
A volunteer in previous clinics had this to say about stepping up: “In a time of societal unrest, it is so rewarding being involved in an effort that brings people together, that celebrates humanity with all its variations and allows us to care for one another.”
A day without barriers to care
The clinic is also in need of donations. To make a donation, go to seattlecenter.org/donations.
Learn more about Seattle/King County Clinic at seattlecenter.org/skcclinic or by calling 206-684-7200.
