People began lining up from 5 a.m. and by the time the free dental clinic opened at 8 a.m., the line was out the door and down the road. [All photos by Christa McConnell]
The clinic, hosted in partnership with Indiana and Lake Region conferences, ran from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and had a strong turnout of volunteers and professionals dedicated to improving community health.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our volunteers and health professionals,” said Maribel Pastran, the local planning committee chairperson. “It was so gratifying to see that after a year of planning, we were able to provide vital services for 370 people in our community who desperately needed the care.”
The clinic showcased a wide array of health professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, medical doctors, and optometrists. Volunteer hairdressers from various community centers also offered free haircuts for attendees, making the event a one-stop shop for health and wellness.
“We had volunteers from different backgrounds, primarily representing Hispanic, Portuguese, and French Creole communities,” noted Carmelo Mercado, Lake Union vice president and coordinator for the Lake Union-run health clinics. “This free clinic was such a blessing and reflected our commitment to serving everyone, regardless of their background or their ability to pay.” He also indicated that the needs were real based on the fact that people started to line up in front of the school as early as 5:00 a.m. “It testifies of Ellen White’s plea to use Christ’s method of ministering to people’s needs and thus win their confidence.”
Pastors and volunteers led a prayer station, distributing spiritual literature alongside health services. Ramon Ulangca pastors the Indianapolis Glendale Church, an Indiana Conference church just minutes from the city’s center. “Seeing the overwhelming number of people who came to this free clinic has further opened my eyes to the urgent needs of the larger community around us and the opportunities this affords to build relationships with them for the kingdom of God.”
For Tunde Ojewole, pastor of Lake Region’s Emmanuel Church in the Indianapolis, the show of unity among the churches and volunteers was notable. “The camaraderie among churches across conferences was impressive,” he said. “Everyone was happy, working together like siblings in the same house. There was even a family who cooked free meals for the hundreds of patients.”
The Indiana Department of Health/Oral Health Division contributed 200 dental care bags to the clinic, while students from the University of Indianapolis and Indiana University School of Dentistry assisted in providing oral health education. “Partnerships like these are crucial to our effectiveness,” said Randy Griffin, who helps coordinates the dental clinics for AMEN.
According to Nicole Braxton, AMEN’s Free Dental and Vision clinic director, these partnerships align well with AMEN’s mission to go into our communities and help those in need. “We are grateful to see churches serve the community as Christ did meeting the immediate holistic needs from the food given, hospitality, and prayer to the free healthcare provided to patients,” she said.
In addition to health services, the Lifestyle station showcased the NEWSTART or CREATION Life health model, which educated attendees about the “Eight Laws of Health.” Attendees received printed materials about evangelistic follow-up events and resources for free and low-cost clinics in the area.
For dental hygienist Angie Giron, the clinic represented a full circle moment. In 2019, she was a senior at Indiana Academy, assigned to assist dentist Dr. Phillip Frist. As she watched him, a light bulb went off.
“He was able to make me understand the importance of your oral health,” she said. Watching his gentle, caring interactions with his patients, “I found out there was a real need in this area for dental hygienists.” She ended up studying to be a dental hygienist at Indiana University South Bend. Now five years later, she was back where her journey into the dental field began. She was able to personally thank Dr. Frist for the role he played in her career decision.
The event also highlighted personal stories of gratitude. One young man from El Salvador, who recently immigrated, shared his experience of receiving a free molar extraction. “I just started working, and without insurance, I didn’t know what I would do. I’m so thankful for this clinic,” he said.
Another attendee, a 50-year-old woman from Venezuela, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s a relief to get the dental care I need. I couldn’t afford this anywhere else since I earn a minimum wage,” she expressed.
The success of the AMEN Free Dental and Vision Clinic demonstrates the Adventist church's commitment to health and well-being, reminding residents that support is available and that they are not alone in their health journey.
The next free dental and vision care clinic will be held, Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Niles Westside Church in Niles, Michigan. Other dates are on Nov. 17 at the Lansing Church; and on Dec. 8 at the Midland Church.
Lake Union Herald staff
