Thousands get free medical care at event (Texas)

Source: ABC
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's an epidemic here in Texas and Harris County -- people without health insurance. On Saturday, the uninsured lined up to get their needs met.
More than 2,000 people came to Reliant Center to see doctors for free. Many of the people we talked to can't afford health insurance, especially in the rough economy. Some say it shows the need for health care reform.
Doctors, nurses and volunteers arrived at around 7am to see patients in what is believed to be the largest free clinic ever held in the United States. The National Association of Free Clinics said it decided to hold this event in Houston because this is where it felt the need is the greatest.
"My foot was turned upside down," said patient Lillian Beverly.
Beverly has had trouble walking since she took a bad fall three months ago.
"I really don't have the money to keep going to doctors and doctors," she said.
Kevin Braggs is worried about his diabetes.
"I've been without insurance for six months," said Braggs.
And Vicki Robinson wants to keep her son's asthma under control, but she says it's difficult.
"My husband's lost his job. We've gone through our savings," said Robinson.
And nine-year-old Kempton knows it.
"We can't afford medicine," he said.
One out of every three adults in Harris County is now uninsured and Texas ranks the worst among the 50 states in healthcare coverage, according to the U.S. Census. The National Association of Free Clinics decided it was time to hold a massive free clinic at Houston's Reliant Center
"A huge number of volunteers and there was a huge number of patients," said Nicole Lamoureux with the National Association of Free Clinics.
It was record-breaking event with an estimated 2,000 patients registered and 200 doctors, like pediatrician Jason Sanders, seeing them. LinkHere