Issue of uninsured Americans takes center stage this weekend in New Orleans

WHAT: The issue of uninsured Americans takes center stage this weekend in New Orleans as the Morial Convention Center, which served as a temporary medical clinic in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, will become the nation's largest physicians' office for a day with free health care for uninsured Louisiana residents. Up to 2,000 patients are expected to be treated by several hundred physicians and other volunteers at the C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic.

WHO: The National Association of Free Clinics, the Louisiana Free Clinic Association and hundreds of medical and non-medical volunteers.

WHERE: Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans.

WHEN: Set up all day Friday, Nov. 13. The C.A.R.E. Clinic will operate from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

WHY: To provide free health care for uninsured people, connect them with local free clinics that can help them on an ongoing basis and to show what goes on every day at 1,200 free clinics across the country.

MORE INFO: A press room will be available at the convention center. Call Laura Duray at 304-382-1430 for information. For broadcasters, satellite transmission services will be available. Call Joe Stevens at 304-382-1133 for information.

SOURCE National Association of Free Clinics