Free Clinic Returns to East High School
Columbus Clinic Host Group and Remote Area Medical will offer free medical, dental and vision care to residents this weekend.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Columbus Clinic Host Group and Remote Area Medical will host a free medical, dental and vision clinic at East High School on Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 2026. Care is provided at no cost, with no ID, insurance or proof of income required.
Why it matters
The clinic is intended to reduce barriers to healthcare for people who may be uninsured, underinsured or unable to afford treatment. Organizers say the event aims to make routine care accessible to Columbus residents who would otherwise go without.
The 2025 Columbus clinic served 507 patients and provided more than $405,000 in free care. Since the first Columbus clinic in 2021, the program has served nearly 2,000 patients with the help of more than 1,600 volunteers.
The players
Remote Area Medical
Remote Area Medical is a nonprofit that provides free medical, dental and vision care in underserved communities and supplies the standardized clinic model used at this event.
Columbus Clinic Host Group
The Columbus Clinic Host Group is the local organizing body that handles fundraising, volunteer recruitment, outreach and logistics for the free clinic.
The details
Services include medical exams, dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, eye exams and prescription glasses. Remote Area Medical supplies equipment and a standardized clinic model, while local organizers handle fundraising, volunteer recruitment and logistics; Ohio State students assist with registration, patient navigation and support.
Timeline
2021: First Columbus clinic held by the program.
2025: Clinic served 507 patients.
Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 2026: Free clinic at East High School, 1500 E. Broad St.
Philanthropy Context
The Columbus clinic follows the volunteer-driven, pop-up model that Remote Area Medical has used since its founding to deliver free care where insurance coverage is thin. Local host groups now take on fundraising and logistics, so the program's growth depends on sustained community volunteer recruitment.
Residents who need care can attend the East High School clinic on November 7-8 without an ID, insurance or proof of income. Mammogram vouchers will be available at this year's clinic for those who need screening.
The takeaway
Free clinics fill a gap for uninsured and underinsured residents, and the Columbus program shows how volunteer effort can scale care. Anyone who needs routine services should consider attending the November 7-8 event at East High School.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how community giving programs like this one operate.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lantern.
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Would you use a free community clinic for dental or vision care if you needed it?
