TAMPA, Fla — A free health care event in Tampa on Saturday helped hundreds of people in need.
Pioneer Medical Foundation, a nonprofit, hosted its sixth annual community health fair.
What You Need To Know
Pioneer Medical Foundation hosted its sixth annual community health fair
The event aimed to help people who were uninsured and under insured get access to medical services
The fair also helped provide social services
There were about 40 booths and 400 people in attendance
There were about 40 booths and about 400 people in attendance, according to organizers.
“They’re going out of their way to help the homeless and they help people in need,” said David Poole, who attended.
The goal of the fair was to help people who are uninsured or under insured get access to health care.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023 over 13% of Florida residents were uninsured.
“Access is not there. A lot of people can’t access health care, so this is why we’re bringing the health care to the people and bridging that gap,” said Ano Kashuma, Executive Director, Pioneer Medical Foundation.
At least 50 nurse practitioners, physicians and dentists volunteered their time and expertise to help hundreds of people.
Vision and mammogram screenings and teeth extractions were some of the medical services offered.
“A lot of the times we’re seeing that when people are coming to the E.R., they have chronic conditions that could have been prevented by a visit to your primary care doctor,” Kashuma said.
Along with medical services there were social services. There was access to showers, free clothing and bus passes. There were also giveaways.
Poole was there to try and win a free bike
“I hope they keep up the gratitude, the love, they’re showing for the homeless and keep doing what they’re doing,” Poole said.
Organizers said the health fair continues to grow year after year.
The foundation is also serving several counties on weekdays with a mobile medical unit van.