Comprehensive Services Overview
At ACE Free Clinic, our mission is to promote health equity by providing essential healthcare services, education, and support to underserved and unhoused communities in the Los Angeles area. We offer a range of free, high-quality services designed to address the immediate health needs of vulnerable populations while empowering them with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. Our clinic is student-led, with passionate volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact through both direct medical care and community outreach.
1. General Health Screenings
We offer comprehensive health screenings to help detect potential health issues early. These screenings include:
Blood pressure
Respiration
Pulse
Oxygen levels
Blood glucose testing
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Basic vision tests
These screenings serve as a vital first step in identifying chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, allowing us to guide patients to the appropriate next steps in their healthcare journey.
3. Kit Distributions
Women’s Health Kits
We are committed to supporting women’s health, especially for those who face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare. Our Women’s Health Kits include:
Sanitary products (pads, tampons, etc.)
Personal hygiene items
Educational pamphlets on menstrual health and self-care
In addition, we regularly host women’s health workshops that cover topics such as reproductive health, personal hygiene, and wellness tips, empowering women to take control of their health.
Mental Health Kits
Recognizing the critical role of mental health in overall well-being, we provide Mental Health Kits that include stress-relief tools, such as:
Journals and pens for reflective writing
Breathing exercises and mindfulness guides
Stress-relief items like fidget toys or stress balls
Our mental health education also involves discussions on managing anxiety, recognizing signs of depression, and self-care strategies, fostering a supportive environment where mental health concerns are addressed with compassion.
Hygiene Kits
At ACE Free Clinic, we believe that personal hygiene is a fundamental aspect of overall health. Our Hygiene Kits are designed to provide individuals, particularly those from underserved and unhoused communities, with the basic essentials to maintain cleanliness and dignity. Each kit is thoughtfully assembled to meet everyday needs and includes:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap and shampoo
Deodorant
Disposable razors and shaving cream
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes for quick clean-ups
Comb or brush
Socks and other small essentials as needed
These kits are aimed at promoting good hygiene practices, which can help prevent infections, skin conditions, and other health issues. By providing these basic items, we hope to offer relief and dignity to those who may not have regular access to such resources.
2. Minor First Aid and Preventative Care
We provide basic first aid and preventative healthcare services, ensuring that individuals have access to immediate care for common health issues. This includes:
Wound cleaning and dressing
Minor cuts and abrasions care
Distributing preventative care materials (e.g., womens health kits, hygiene kits)
Our volunteers are trained to handle minor injuries and provide advice on preventative measures to avoid future complications.
4. Health Education Workshops
Our educational workshops aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health. Topics include:
Chronic disease prevention (e.g., managing blood pressure, understanding diabetes)
Nutrition and healthy eating
Hygiene and sanitation
Basic first-aid skills
Women’s health
Mental health
By offering these workshops, we help individuals in the community develop long-term habits that can improve their overall quality of life.
5. Food and Clothing Drives
In collaboration with local partners, we organize regular food and clothing drives. These efforts are designed to meet the immediate needs of the unhoused and low-income populations, ensuring that they have access to basic necessities. Our drives include:
Distribution of nutritious, non-perishable food items
Clothing donations, including seasonal items (e.g., winter coats, socks)
Hygiene kits (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
These drives serve as both a resource and a way to build trust within the communities we serve.
What We Are.
The ACE Free Clinic at UCLA is more than just a health care-focused organization. It is a space where education, community service, and compassionate care come together to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. We continuously strive to adapt our services based on the evolving needs of the communities we work with, always with the goal of promoting health, dignity, and well-being.