Client Stories
Meet Timmy & Scotty
Timmy and Scotty were both referred to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley by their elementary school because they were having difficulty in school. The boys did not qualify for private or government services. They were both having difficulty concentrating, unable to follow direction, and doing poorly in most of their school work. Thanks to Free Clinic volunteer physician, Dr. Dan Takeda, both boys were diagnosed with ADHD, and were given a treatment plan involving diet, exercise and medication. Over the next six months their school work improved and they no longer are a disruption, or disciplinary problem to their classrooms. The boys’ parents report that they are better behaved at home as well and do not seem as anxious.
Meet Jane and Tom
Jane came in one night scared that her 12-year-old son Tom had broken his wrist several days prior. She reported that he had fallen off his skateboard and hurt his wrist but did not want to tell her because he knew that money was tight and there was no medical insurance. Jane was crying and commenting how awful she felt that he would feel a need to hide his pain in order not to burden the family.
A volunteer doctor saw Tom and sent him to Simi Valley Hospital for an x-ray at a very reduced price. Tom's wrist was indeed broken. The doctor splinted it and commented that it was good Jane and Tom got help when they did, because otherwise the bone could have regrown in a way that caused permanent complications. Jane was incredibly relieved that they avoided any long-term consequences.
A volunteer doctor saw Tom and sent him to Simi Valley Hospital for an x-ray at a very reduced price. Tom's wrist was indeed broken. The doctor splinted it and commented that it was good Jane and Tom got help when they did, because otherwise the bone could have regrown in a way that caused permanent complications. Jane was incredibly relieved that they avoided any long-term consequences.
Meet Randy
Randy came to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley to be treated for an extremely infected wound on his leg. He had just lost his health insurance due to unexpected unemployment. The Clinic treated the painful infection in his leg over a number of visits. The medical staff also found that Randy had high blood pressure. They gave him medication to manage it and counseled him on how to maintain a healthy diet and decrease his salt intake. Randy checked in with the staff a few months later and reported he was feeling well again.
Meet Mike
Mike came into the Medical Clinic unable to complete a sentence, weak, and trembling because he was having difficulty breathing. A volunteer doctor found Mike had a very low oxygen level that was getting lower with every breath. He told the staff that he had pulmonary disease and stopped taking his expensive medications two weeks earlier after losing his medical insurance. The doctor put Mike on oxygen and gave him medication to address the issue. After about an hour, he was comfortable and stable.
Mike realized just how serious the situation was and told the staff, "You saved my life." He later came in for follow up care and got back on track for managing his condition.
Mike realized just how serious the situation was and told the staff, "You saved my life." He later came in for follow up care and got back on track for managing his condition.
