The organizers of a massive free clinic scheduled to return to Los Angeles later this month announced Monday that they will distribute color-coded wristbands in advance of their opening at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a change they hope will reduce patient lines. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis way, people can come on their designated day and not worry about long lines just to get in. The wristband is the ticket into the clinic,\u201d said Don Manelli, an organizer with Knoxville, Tenn.-based Remote Area Medical, the nonprofit sponsoring the clinic. <\/p>\n
The clinic will be held April 27 to May 3 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is expected to draw thousands of uninsured and under-insured patients. Organizers plan to distribute wristbands starting at 9 a.m. April 25 outside the arena at 3939 South Figueroa St. <\/p>\n
Those seeking treatment on a particular day can get in line to receive a wristband color-coded for that day. Each family member seeking medical, dental and vision care must get in line to receive a wristband, although parents and caregivers may claim wristbands for their children and charges. Wristbands are not interchangeable or removable. <\/p>\n
Volunteers at the first clinic, held in August at the Forum in
\nInglewood, treated more than\u00a0 6,300. Scores more were turned away because of
\n a shortage
\nof medical volunteers.<\/p>\n