Free health screenings available across the country
Posted
Jun 24 2009, 01:01 PM
by
Joan Melcher
Rating:
Most health care providers will tell you that early detection is at the heart of good health care.
Walgreens gets it.
The drugstore giant has partnered with two nonprofits to provide free health screenings in mobile clinics that are traveling the country this year and next. Six free screenings are being offered.
The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour will visit more than 3,000 communities in the lower 48 states and Puerto Rico and deliver more than 2.5 million free health screenings over a two-year period. The nine buses will target underserved areas.
Check here to see if your state is one of 26 the tour will reach this year.
The National Urban League and Walgreens Wellness Tour is targeting urban communities with a schedule that runs through February 2010. You’ll need to click on “National Urban League Tour” (.pdf file) at the bottom of this Web page for the schedule in your state.
In short, here’s the deal for both tours:
- Free screenings are offered for cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, glucose level, waist circumference, and body composition/body mass index. The estimated total value of the six screenings is $140.
- You must be 18 or older to participate.
- Appointments are not necessary. Screenings are on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All screenings are done in the tour bus and results are provided on site.
- Arrangements will be made for people with disabilities, and a Spanish-speaking crewmember is available on each bus.
- AARP membership is not required for the AARP/Walgreens screenings. All participants will be given a free one-year AARP membership courtesy of Walgreens, which can be transferred to another party if the recipient is under 50 years of age. Participants who belong to AARP will be given a one-year membership extension.
Have more questions? Here’s a good place to find answers. For example:
I’ve been told to consult with my doctor, but I don’t have a doctor or can’t afford health insurance. What do I do? There are federal and state programs to help people access health care, even if they cannot afford health insurance. (This AARP Web page can help you find them.)
Related reading:
Free medical care for the unemployed/uninsured
5 places to find medical care for the uninsured
Need health care? Try Planned Parenthood
A survival guide for the uninsured
