Thousands attend free medical clinic at Cobo Center in Detroit

Free medical treatment offered for residents who need it

DETROIT – Thousands of people attended the first day of a free medical clinic Wednesday at the Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit.

The Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness (HVCW) teamed up with national organizers to host the Motor City Medical Mission, a free dental, optical and medical care clinic at Cobo Center in Detroit from Wednesday through Friday.

"People can receive care, at no cost, on a first-come, first-serve basis," said Ann Burnett, executive director of the Motor City Medical Mission Project.

The three-day event is open to anyone in need, including those who are homeless, uninsured, or underinsured.

You can watch Nick Monacelli's full story about the first day of the event in the video posted above.

No pre-registration is required. Medical professionals do not have to commit to all three days and can register to volunteer by clicking here.

"Our goal is to sign up as many volunteer dentists, optometrists, and medical doctors as possible so we can provide free services to those who may not have access to care," Burnett said. "The event can be as large as the number of volunteers we get."

Dental services may include exams, cleanings, fillings and extractions. Free eye glasses, screenings, and refractions are available for those requiring optical care. Medical care may include health exams, school physicals, consultations, chronic disease prevention, hypertension and diabetes counseling, and non-narcotic medications and prescriptions. Other essential services such as ultrasound, massage therapy, physical therapy and legal consultations will be available.

"We’re proud to help the Motor City Medical Mission team reach out to people in need of care," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "We know a lot of southeast Michigan residents have unmet medical needs. So, we’re asking dentists, optometrists and medical doctors to consider volunteering at least one day, knowing that Wayne County will also be there to extend care long after the event has come and gone."

The Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness (HCVW) offers 114 programs and more than 230 services that promote wellness. Wayne County staff will be on site to provide information on a wide range of follow-up services such as Head Start, comprehensive health services and veteran financial assistance.

"Our ultimate goal is to reduce social inequities and promote overall wellness for residents of Wayne County," said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, director of HVCW. "Sometimes, it’s difficult for people to access services because of any number of barriers. This event gives us a chance to bring all our services under one roof and personally connect so that residents can benefit from county programs."

To learn more about the Motor City Medical Mission or to volunteer, click here.


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.