Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
On April 27, 2025, Tzu Chi held a free medical outreach clinic to serve the local community at Tzu Chi’s Wilmington Health Center in California. Unlike previous Tzu Chi outreach events in the community, this clinic not only provided basic health education, but also offered diagnoses and treatments to support the community’s needs.
The services included internal medicine, dentistry, optometry, scalp health screenings, and free haircuts. The clinic was organized by physicians and medical volunteers from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), with strong support from Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (TCCA) members from the University of California, Irvine, and the University of San Diego.
Volunteers Join Hands
With barriers to health insurance or gaps in coverage, the high costs of dental and vision care can be prohibitively expensive. And so, this clinic provided timely and much-needed medical support to those in need.
“We also assist our seniors and residents in need of care through monthly distributions. This time, we hoped to offer real relief for their health concerns,” said local Tzu Chi volunteer Sandia Chang with emotion. “Each month, we receive 10 to 20 bamboo banks back at the distribution. Even though the residents’ incomes are limited, they still choose to give back. This is a profound expression of kindness.”
“We also hope to take this opportunity to support the growth of our volunteer team,” said Sandia Chang. She shared that the Tzu Chi Torrance Service Center, located at 1355 Broad Ave, Wilmington, CA, plans to hold regular free clinics every April and November to continue caring for the community. “Through these recurring clinics, we also hope to bring on board more volunteers from the community and help revitalize the neighborhood,” continued Chang.
Chang also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the growing diversity of Tzu Chi volunteers, saying, “In the past, our office was mainly staffed by Chinese volunteers, but now more and more Hispanic volunteers are joining us. It’s like a shining pearl — everyone working together to help people from all cultural backgrounds to carry the Tzu Chi spirit of love even farther.”
We hope to truly realize the vision of local volunteers helping local residents, so that the people of this community can stand on their own.
Enhancing Efficiency in Dental Services
The dental team at the clinic was led by Dr. Jack Chiang, a dentist from TIMA, who coordinated five dentists working together in a clearly defined and efficient system. Dr. Chiang first conducted X-rays and preliminary screenings, before patients went on to the other dentists for treatment. This streamlined process minimized downtime, improved efficiency, and ensured a smooth overall workflow.
“Most of the patients today needed cleanings, fillings, or extractions,” Dr. Chiang explained. “Many don’t have dental insurance or lack sufficient knowledge about oral hygiene. As a result, they rarely receive routine dental care. Often, they only visit a dentist when the pain becomes so unbearable that they can’t eat, but by then, their condition has worsened and needs more complex treatment.”
Dr. Chiang emphasized that the clinic is not only an opportunity to provide medical care, but also key to promoting health education: “We hope that through events like this, residents can begin to build greater awareness of oral health, and learn to take care of their teeth and prevent oral diseases,” said Dr. Chiang.
We want patients to leave not just with relief from pain, but with the mindset to care for their health moving forward.
Helping Others is a Lifelong Passion
Dental assistant Elba Antonio has volunteered in the dental department at the Tzu Chi Health Center in Wilmington for many years. When the clinic’s dental services were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, she had to step away, but her heart never left the community. So when she heard that the center was resuming free clinics, she returned without hesitation.
“Tzu Chi is a wonderful organization,” Antonio said. “I was a volunteer here for nine years before the pandemic, and I really enjoy helping people. The people in this neighborhood are in great need of dental care, and I will come back whenever they need me.”
These kinds of events are just for one day, but helping people is necessary for me. I love my profession.
TCCA Invites New Energy
The Tzu Chi Vision Mobile Clinic also provided its services during the event, offering vision screenings and on-site eyeglass fittings. TCCA members, like Daniel Bingham, assisted patients with registration throughout the day, and guided patients through the vision care process. “I’m also helping out with the checkout,” shared Bingham. “It’s been a pretty good experience seeing people and helping them just check in to get the glasses they need.”
TCCA volunteers played an essential role in the clinic, assisting with patient registration and guiding them through the process. Their support not only improved the overall efficiency of the clinic, but also embodied the younger generation’s energy and commitment to social care, helping compassion ripple outward through the community.
Vegetarian Treats Enjoyed by Many
The clinic drew nearly 100 residents and volunteers, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Terry Chien, a volunteer from Tzu Chi’s catering volunteer team, warmed both hearts and stomachs with pots of delicious and steaming vegetarian dishes.
By day, Chien employs her love of cooking in a prison kitchen, and preparing meals comes naturally to her. Volunteering as a caterer this time, she lovingly prepared fragrant vegetarian noodles and a comforting plant-based stew. She even added an extra dish on the spot, ensuring everyone departed with full bellies.
“I’m honored to serve as a catering volunteer for Tzu Chi today,” Chien said with a smile. “I cooked for nearly 100 people, and seeing so many volunteers come out to support the clinic made me truly happy. It warms my heart to see everyone enjoying their meal.”
Helping More People
The clinic not only served local residents, but also offered warmth and care to volunteers. Maria Lopor, a long-time volunteer in Wilmington, had been experiencing persistent knee pain. At the clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Jungyuang Chi carefully examined and treated her.
“I’m a volunteer here, and today I came as a patient because my knee was in so much pain. It was a 10 on a scale from one to 10,” Lopor shared at the clinic. “But the doctor was so patient. He massaged my knee and body where I usually carry a lot of stress, and after the treatment, my pain dropped from a 10 to an 8. I feel much better.” With emotion, she continued, “I come here to help others, and at the same time, they help me. It’s made me a more compassionate person. I’m also willing to do even more in whatever ways I can.”
Tzu Chi has helped me, and I want to continue helping more people.
The clinic not only provided timely medical care to those in need, but also inspired hope in the hearts of local community residents through quiet dedication and the collective strength of compassion in action. Together, we can go even further.
