Free Clinics in Ventura County Grappling With Jump in Patient Visits
Clinics that provide services at no cost in Ventura County have experienced an upswing in patients that corresponds with similar trends nationwide, the Ventura County Star reports.
According to the National Association of Free Clinics, each month about 40 to 50 more patients are seeking care at the 3,200 free clinics nationwide.
For example, the free clinic in Simi Valley had roughly 5,100 patient visits in 2008, almost twice as many as in 2007, and the number of patient visits is increasing weekly.
Administrators of free clinics said they are searching for ways to meet the demand for services, but many are experiencing a drop in donations and other funding (Kisken, Ventura County Star, 1/25). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.