Free dental, vision, medical clinic coming to KeyArena Thursday

Patients who can't afford basic medical care will be able to take advantage of free services offered at the fourth annual Seattle/King County Clinic, which starts Thursday at KeyArena. The four-day event is open to anyone looking for dental, vision and other services.

A community effort headed up by the City of Seattle, Seattle Center, Kaiser Permanente and the Ballmer Group, among other partner organizations, the clinic is geared toward those who generally can't afford the services, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. No ID or proof of immigration status is needed to receive care.

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Over the last three years, volunteers from across the state have provided no-cost services valued at over $10 million to 11,900 patients at the clinic.

Scenes from past Seattle/King County dental, vision and health clinics at KeyArena. Scenes from past Seattle/King County dental, vision and health clinics at KeyArena. Photo: AustonJames, Seattle Center Photo: AustonJames, Seattle Center Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Free dental, vision, medical clinic coming to KeyArena Thursday 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

Dental care provided includes cavity fillings, extractions, x-rays and cleanings. Vision screenings and complete eye exams will also be provided, and reading glasses and prescription eyeglasses will be distributed to those who need them. Medical services available include physical exams, PAP smears, x-rays, mammograms, wound care, immunizations and more. Social workers will also be available.

The only cost involved for those interested in receiving care is time, as patients have to pick up a daily admission ticket to get into the arena. Organizers warned that thanks to the large number of patients expected, those receiving services should prepare for long days.

Daily admission tickets (there are no reservations or appointments) will be distributed Thursday through Sunday starting at 5 a.m. at Fisher Pavilion on the corner of 2nd Avenue N. and Thomas Street. The pavilion opens at 12:30 a.m. each morning for those wishing to get in line, and free parking will be offered at the Mercer Street garage at 650 3rd Ave. N. and the 1st Avenue garage at 220 1st Ave. N.

Patients will not be able to get both vision and dental care on the same day.

For those whose first language is not English, interpreters will be made available. Flyers in 16 different languages are available on the clinic's website, as are answers to frequently asked questions and additional resources.

Seattlepi.com reporter Stephen Cohen can be reached at 206-448-8313 or stephencohen@seattlepi.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter at @scohenPI.