Lestonnac Free Clinic, a longstanding provider of free healthcare services in Orange County since 1979, will make history in early 2025 by opening the nation’s first free surgery center for uninsured patients. This 4,000-square-foot facility in Orange, California, aims to offer essential surgical procedures at no cost. It addresses a critical gap in healthcare access for the uninsured.
Leadership Behind the Initiative
The clinic’s Executive Director, Edward Gerber, has been with Lestonnac for 33 years. He emphasizes the transformative impact of this initiative. “We expect this to save lives,” Gerber stated, reflecting on his own experience as a former patient who faced financial challenges in accessing necessary medical care.
Funding the Mission
The Thompson Family Foundation has significantly supported the surgery center with a $4 million donation. The project still needs additional funding to fully realize its potential. Gerber expressed enthusiasm about creating a model for other free clinics nationwide. “We’re so excited to be able to create a model for the other free clinics throughout the nation to follow and see how they can help as well,” he said.
Surgical Services and Grand Opening
Initially, the center will focus on minor surgeries such as colonoscopies, endoscopies, lipoma removals, and hernia repairs. As the team gains experience, staff plan to expand the range of surgical services they offer. A dedicated team of volunteer doctors, including Dr. Nitin Shah, has committed to providing their expertise. Dr. Shah highlighted the fulfillment derived from serving those in need, stating, “The true happiness comes from serving an unknown. Someone whom you don’t know. Someone from whom you don’t expect anything back.”
Lestonnac Free Clinic anticipates a grand opening at the start of the new year. Patient services begin in February. Currently, there is a waiting list of approximately 3,000 individuals eager to receive care. This initiative represents a significant advancement in providing equitable healthcare access to underserved populations in Orange County and beyond.
https://www.lestonnacfreeclinic.org
