Berkeley Free Clinic

Although limited, the primary care clinician team provides services for common respiratory illnesses, hepatitis infections, uncomplicated skin rashes/wounds, simple ear issues, and gynecological concerns.[7] It also provides testing for urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and tuberculosis. The clinic offers flu shots and tetanus boosters as well.[7]

The mission statement of the tuberculosis team is to provide "client-centered care to all people".[8] A tuberculosis bacteria (TB) skin test involves two visits to the clinic. In the first visit, a tiny amount of a liquid, tuberculin, is injected under the skin in the forearm. In a follow-up appointment two or three days later, the skin test site is examined by the provider.[8][9] A positive result (a raised, swollen bump at the injection site), indicates the person is infected with tuberculosis bacteria, while a negative result (no/little injection site reaction) means the person is unlike to be infected with TB.[9]

The dental care providers emphasize the importance of "good oral health" in overall patient health.[10] The team is composed of licensed dentists, hygienists and dental assistants. The currently offered dental services include oral examinations and most common dental procedures, including cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions.[11]

In order to be seen in the clinic and receive free dental services for life, client candidates must enter and win a monthly raffle.[10]

As a part of the Gay Men's Health Collective, the Berkeley Free Clinic provides testing for several sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and others.[12]

A special service within this department is weekly, drop-in, anonymous HIV testing, during which no patient information is retained for records.[12]

Testing and counseling for hepatitis A, B and C, as well as vaccinations for hepatitis A and influenza, are available. The focus is on providing care for the population most at risk for hepatitis infection. Non-low-income individuals are asked to complete the vaccination series with their primary care providers so as to reserve availability for low-income individuals.[13]

Berkeley Free Clinic supports inclusion of trans people in its care.[14] Sexual health services are provided for all women, trans, gender non-conforming individuals, and any other individual who is not a cis-gender male. These services include sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, pregnancy tests, urinary tract infection testing, and gynecological/urogenital services (such as pelvic exams).[14]

Clients with symptoms of sexually transmitted infection or urogenital infection are encouraged to call in advance to ensure appointment availability.[14]

The Peer Counseling Collective strives to provide a space for clients to talk about anything. Volunteers are not able to diagnose, write prescriptions, or offer advice.[15] Some notable counselors include Berkeley homelessness activist Michael Diehl, who recently passed away.[16]

Berkeley Free Clinic partners with Mindful Eyes Foundation to provide optometry services, including over-the-counter reading eyeglasses (no prescription needed), prescription eyeglasses (prescription needed), and various screening tests. No prescriptions are written or made available.[17]

Clients are eligible if they are armed forces veterans, low-income adults (age 18 or older), or adults receiving Medi-Cal or county health benefits.[17]

Berkeley Free Clinic offers services regardless of immigration status and requires no documentation or payment.[18]

In February 2017, the Berkeley Free Clinic created a program that offers free dental work to undocumented immigrants.[5] This service is provided on one to three Friday evenings per month, which is outside of normal clinic business hours, and is time specifically allotted for this kind of patient.[5] In order to be a part of the program, patients must not qualify for Medi-Cal or have refugee status. Most of these clients learn about the programs from outside organizations like East Bay Sanctuary Covenant and Oakland Catholic Worker.[5]

Berkeley Free Clinic intends to move into a new building and hopes to upgrade and expand its accommodations in the process.[19] The desired facility improvements include: a new lobby with restrooms, at least six equipped exam rooms, a dental suite with adequate space that contains three new dental stations and an X-ray machine, six counseling rooms (five individual and one larger group), a clinic for optical services with two exam rooms, larger meeting spaces and storage areas, and a new lab and pharmacy.[19] The clinic hopes to find a suitable space in downtown Berkeley and is seeking public support to make it happen.[19]