CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Free healthcare returns to Charleston on Saturday, with West Virginia Health Right hosting its annual #WeCareWV Day to provide walk-in medical, dental, and vision treatment for uninsured and underinsured West Virginians.
More than 150 volunteers are expected at WV Health Right’s East End Clinic to provide cost-free services.
“There’s so many people that’s left out. It’s one of the scariest things in the world to be vulnerable, have healthcare needs, and have no way to afford it or get it, and so volunteering over at Health Right, I’ve said it many, many times. It’s probably some of the most appreciative patients I’ve ever met in my life,” Dr. Tom Takubo said.
#WeCareWV Day runs along with WV Health Right’s mission of serving those who need help the most. The organizers learned a lot from last year’s event and want to bring even more aid now.
“One thing that I hear a lot is that people may have medical insurance, but they don’t have vision benefits. They don’t have dental benefits; this year we’re adding hearing. I don’t think I told you guys we’re doing hearing screenings this year, and then CAMC is bringing their mammography unit on-site so we can do that as well,” Dr. Angie Settle said.
The opportunity to bring assistance to people who may not even know how badly they need it is something on the minds of many involved with the clinic. Doctors saw examples last year of serious conditions being caught because of this event.
“We started it back in 2016. I think almost every year we have unfortunately found cancers and things. I know (Dr.) Chris (Stansbury), I think the very first or second time we were there, found melanoma in someone’s eyes,” Takubo said.
#WeCareWV Day is an opportunity to educate as well. Young people from around the area and state are getting involved with a chance to see what WV Health Right does up close.
“I’m a big fan of integrating students early. It’s so important. I make my kids come down and see. It’s so important that they see that there’s a need in their community, and I feel like if you instill it in students early, they’re willing to give back.
#WeCareWV Day begins at 8 am on Saturday and goes until 5 pm.
More information about #WeCareWV Day is available at wecarewv.org. WV Health Right is accepting volunteers for the event up until it begins, and interested community members can contact the organization at wvhealthright.org or by calling 304-549-1289.