The Morial Convention Center has been doubling as a doctor's clinic for two days.
More than 1,000 people are expected to get free medical care from volunteers in town from around the country. They are here to help people who don't have insurance.
The first hour The National Association of Free Clinics was open, 250 people came in for health care.
Hall J at the Conventions Center was filled with hundreds of volunteers, doctors and nurses armed with blood pressure cuffs and ready to draw blood. They were there for those in need.
"I decided to come down and get myself checked because I know I've eaten a lot of pork and all that good stuff," said patient Carl Batiste.
"I can't afford like the EKG, the stress test, he (my regular doctor) wants me to take. I can't afford that," said patient Jane Columbus, who was hoping to get those tests at the free clinic.
It's billed as the largest doctor's office in the country for a day. In New Orleans, three chronic illnesses are standing out more than others. There are diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
"High blood pressure is probably the number one thing (we’ve seen) but diabetes, not any HIV or anything like that yet,” said Baton Rouge Family and Sports Medicine specialist Dr. Rani Whitfield, who is serving as the clinic’s medical director. “Some people are in congestive heart failure, or signs or warning signs of congestive heart failure, the kind of what we call bread and butter diagnosis things that you see in primary care."
While Dr. Whitfield took time away from his practice in Baton Rouge, others came from far away. Internal Medicine Dr. Ralph Freidin came in from Boston. This is the sixth city where he's volunteered for The National Association of Free Clinics.
"The sad stories are about how people make do without health insurance,” said Freidin. “They borrow medications from their friends. They take the medications every third day. They don't take their medications. They don't have any blood tests and it goes on and on."
There are the routine exams along with the eye exams. Mental health doctors are also part of the set up. In the past, they have kept a patient from committing suicide. They have found a patient who needed open heart surgery. The doctors believe they are saving lives. They have heard it all.
"I don't have a regular doctor. I don't have health insurance. I have not been seen since hurricane Katrina, haven't had my medications refilled in two years," Dr. Whitfield said quoting his patients. "One lady has glaucoma and cataracts couldn't name the prescriptions that she was on."
Already one patient feels better.
"Very good and there's still good people in the world," said Columbus about the volunteers who lifted her emotionally.
The clinic is expecting to see 1,200 patients Tuesday and Wednesday.
It is open until 7pm Tuesday and from 2pm to 7pm Wednesday.
Walk-ins are welcome and medical volunteers are still needed.
For more call 1-877-236-7617.
