CONCORD, N.C. — Cabarrus County food service workers will have a chance to receive free health care on Monday.
The event is part of an effort to help lower-income, uninsured, and underinsured workers in an industry where many struggle to afford even the most basic healthcare plans.
“We know in North Carolina, of the uninsured, one in six of those are in the food and service industry. So we know it’s such a population that needs coverage,” said Laura Lyerly Milliken, Executive Director of the Community Free Clinic.
[ MORE: New service at east Charlotte apartments increases access to health care ]
On Monday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Community Free Clinic in Concord, food-service workers will be treated at the event known as Pop Up Doc.
Milliken says most of the patients coming in haven’t seen a doctor in years, usually because of lack of insurance or inability to afford emergency room bills.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling the clinic at 704-782-0650.
The hospitality industry and food service positions make up one out of every six low-wage, uninsured workers in North Carolina.
There will be many services provided at Monday’s event, including checkups with primary care providers, behavioral health screenings, lab testing, and ‘lifestyle medicine’ meetings to improve health by focusing on nutritional eating, exercise, lowering stress, fixing sleep, tobacco use, and more.
To find a free or charitable clinic near you, click here.
(WATCH BELOW: Primary, mental health care offered for students at Rock Hill elementary school)
This browser does not support the video element.