Flying Doctors to Bring Medical Care to Valley's Needy
Physicians from all over California--including some local doctors--will take their equipment and a wide variety of medical talents (not to mention a selfless concern for the welfare of others) to the eastern Coachella Valley this weekend.
The Flying Doctors, "Los Medicos Voladores", will be at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal on Saturday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
The Flying Doctors event will also feature a 5K Walk/Run-athon and health expo to benefit Desert Mirage’s "MECHA" Club (a group devoted to the advancement of Hispanic kids). Team registration fees will be $10 for kids (ages 5-13) and $25 for adults
This is a great opportunity for families to get the checkups and medical attention they have needed, but perhaps have not been able to afford. Dental checkups and dental work are included among the services, as well as vision services, and family counseling and health education.
With the Coachella Valley’s medical needs growing along with the population growth, and with many adults lacking health coverage or resources, this event is highly anticipated by the families and community of the Eastern Coachella Valley. Last year the doctors treated over 800 patients in one day, and 1,200 people participated.
The event is also made possible by the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s School Readiness Program, by Coachella Valley High School, and by sponsors, which include: C.V. Medical Volunteers, Signature Flight Support at Jacqueline Cochrane Regional Airport; Bermuda Dunes Airport, Royal Plaza Inn; Augustine Casino; Ciro’s Restaurant; West Coast Rental; Indio Sunrise Rotary Club; John F. Kennedy Hospital; La Poderosa; KESQ; Telemundo; Yosemite Waters; Western Growers; Borrego Community Health Foundation; First 5 Riverside, Riverside County Children & Families Commission and many other community partners.
The Flying Doctors is an international organization of medical volunteers serving the indigent in remote locations around the world. In California, "Los Medicos Voladores" became active in 1974, flying to small villages in northern Mexico. Today the California Flying Doctors operate from four northern California chapters, visiting Mexico, Central America and South America. To learn more about the California Flying Doctors, visit http://www.flyingdocs.org/default.htm.