Free Clinics are ideally positioned to fulfill the healthcare needs of their community as first responders in so many different ways. Westminster Free Clinic (WFC) in Thousand Oaks, California has developed a number of successful programs and services that empower the community we serve by providing early access to care and innovative programming to fill health-related gaps. It involves volunteer medical professionals, high school student interns, and support staff who make sure there is patient follow-through, and appropriate evaluation conducted. WFC serves as a one-stop-shop to address the many inter-related health needs of low-income, uninsured people.

Primary Healthcare Offered to approximately 70 patients each clinic night by volunteer doctors and nurses from 6 pm to 10 pm, (5 pm check-in). Services are provided on a first-come-first-serve basis, except for children, who take priority. Doctors’ services are non-invasive and include diagnosis, writing prescriptions and making referrals. Lab tests, and diagnostic tests are paid for at discounted rates by the clinic to provide the doctors with more information. Other primary health care services include: bi-monthly immunizations, flu shots and TB testing, weekly Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose testing, Dental screening and education, Chiropractic & Physical Therapy services, Mental Health Counseling, nutrition counseling, referrals, a family literacy program called Reach Out and Read, Health Education classes and referrals for free glasses and mammograms. Medical volunteers include doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, chiropractors, physical therapists, dentists, phlebotomists, medical technologists, psychologists, counselors, health educators and a dietitian. All clinic services listed are free-of-charge.
Health Advocacy (Case Management) This program creates linkages to community resources, leverages health care at a discounted rate or for free from local medical specialists, dentists and optometrists. For example our optometrists provide free eye exams and glasses for the children and adults we refer to them. We partner with local schools to make sure all children receive the vision care and glasses they need to succeed. The Case Manager also sets up patient appointments and helps patients follow through with their plan of care provided by our doctors. Eligible patients are also assisted with the paperwork related to Medi-Cal, Medicare, SSI, ACE, and Healthy Families insurance programs. It makes it possible for some patients to obtain insurance they did not think they were eligible for, or for which they didn’t know how to fill out the correct papers. The Case Manager also creates partnerships with pharmaceutical and medical supply companies (eg. the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) ) to access free medications and other supplies for patients with chronic health conditions.
Teen Healthcare Internship Training and Education Program This program offers local teens an opportunity to be mentored by healthcare professionals volunteering at the clinic to improve the medical welfare of fellow community members who do not have health insurance and access to healthcare. Over 70 local High School students from Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Westlake High Schools (50% are minority low income teens who have dreams of pursuing careers in healthcare) have the opportunity to volunteer and assist directly with the delivery of patient services, and also receive education, fieldtrips, training in healthcare fields, as well as mentoring and job shadowing opportunities. It is a 2-year commitment for the student, with most staying longer. The students enjoy helping their community and being part of a medical team. 100% of our graduating students are attending college. For many, they are the first in their family to do so.
Mental Health Counseling The WFC counselor is Spanish and English speaking. Family, group sessions and individual counseling are provided during clinic hours. The counselor also works closely with WFC physicians to address health conditions brought on by psychological issues. Client visits average 4-5 sessions.
Z-TAP : A Family Violence Prevention & Mental Health Awareness Train-the-Trainer Program The Z-TAP (Zonta Training and Advocacy Program) is designed to train women from our community to become community educators. Participants are enrolled in an 8-week training course where they learn family violence prevention techniques, as well as the warning signs for mental illness, anxiety, depression, suicide and domestic violence. Those interested are then placed into teaching groups where they are mentored and supervised to lead trainings in their community and teach others what they have learned. These classes are currently taught in Spanish and empower the participants to be community leaders. The program empowers women who may be in domestic violence situations to help themselves, their children and their community. The program is offered at Title 1 schools, churches and other locations where parents naturally congregate. The program was developed by The American Psychological Association and has been effective across the country. Over 300 women have been trained by WFC so far. Funding for the program comes from Zonta of the Conejo: (http://www.zontacv.org)