People came long distances to receive care. One man came from the San Gabriel Valley for optical needs and another woman traveled 75 miles from San Bernardino and slept overnight at the Salvation Army to wait for the clinic to open in the morning. Patients were very grateful, and could not believe that clinic services were free.

While comprehensive care was offered, dental and optical needs were the most utilized services.

Volunteers visited with patents, shared the gospel and invited many to church on Sunday. Louie Rosado, executive director of MMA, gave his own Christian testimony to the waiting patients.

Special note should be made of the support of the Salvation Army staff. Pastors Neil and Rubina Navarro opened their entire service center for the clinic. Officers provided refreshments to the patients and provided valuable administrative and minsterial support.

Patient waiting area

Anglican Health Ministries worked with MMA for over two years on licensing, regulatory, and insurance requirements. "It was a long-road of red tape and endless inspections, but we were finally able to open the doors," said physician and Deacon Val W. Finnell, who is Executive Director of Anglican Health Ministries.

Overall, TOUCH Coalition members thought the day was very successful. More work needs to be done to recruit medical, dental and optometry staff in the South Bay to support ongoing local clinics throughout the year. More TOUCH Coalition members are being sought to support clinic operations.

Free dental care at mobile clinic is also offered. Christ Our Savior extends an invitation to other Anglicans within the Diocese of Western Anglicans to partner with them in hosting regular clinics in the South Bay area. Local clinic volunteers are also desperately needed. Those interested should contact Christ Our Savior Senior Warden, Tom Winfrey, at tawinfrey@yahoo.com

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