Lt. Governor Bill Halter held a press conference this morning to release more details on the free medical clinic that will be held at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock on Saturday, Nov. 21. The clinic is sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC). Funds for the clinic were raised mostly due to the efforts of MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann, who solicited donations on his nightly news program “Countdown.”
Halter said that census burea data shows 450,000 Arkansans are without health insurance. The free clinic, he said, will be set up to help those people. He encouraged would-be patients to call and register so that things might go more smoothly. You can register online here, or call 1-877-236-7617. Halter said the response from physicians, nurses and other volunteers has been terrific, but others are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise.
“When Arkansans know there are other Arkansans in need, they step up in a big way,” Halter said. So far, “hundreds” have registered. The NAFC has said they will try to handle walk-ins, but attention is not guaranteed. If you want to go, be sure to sign up. Fore more information, see the press release on the jump.