INDIO, Calif. — Hundreds of Coachella Valley residents sought free medical, dental and vision services this weekend at the annual Coachella Valley Clinic held at the Empire Polo Grounds.
The three-day event, hosted by California CareForce in partnership with Goldenvoice, marked its 17th year serving the region. Organizers said about 1,500 patients had been treated by Saturday, with an estimated 2,000 people expected by the clinic’s close on Sunday.
The clinic offered a wide range of services. Dental care included cleanings, fillings, extractions and X-rays, along with a limited number of root canals, crowns, dentures and stayplates. Vision services provided eye exams and on-site eyeglass production. Medical teams conducted basic physical exams, blood pressure checks and blood glucose screenings.
Additional organizations provided mammograms, Pap smears, immunizations, and STI and HIV testing.
Rudy Morales, ambassador and co-chair of California CareForce, said the clinic relies entirely on volunteers and faced staffing challenges on its final day. While dental and medical services remained fully staffed, vision care slowed Sunday afternoon due to a shortage of volunteers. Only one optometrist was available, compared with full staffing during the first two days.
Despite concerns that fears surrounding immigration enforcement might reduce attendance, Morales said turnout remained strong.
“Maybe they’re a little reserved, but they’re coming out and getting the treatment and the service that they need,” he said.
Morales added that rising healthcare costs have made events like this increasingly important. Many patients lack insurance, and copays can be unaffordable.
“If we can provide these services for free, I’m very happy to see all these people getting the care they need,” he said.
Organizers said the clinic continues to fill a critical gap in healthcare access for underserved communities across the valley.