AMEN Free Health Clinic Impacts Boise

By Anthony White, May 30, 2017

On April 18–20, Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) held its first free Impact Your Health clinic in Boise, Idaho.

The health event, held at Expo Idaho, provided 1,300 patients with dental, medical, vision and other valuable services during the three-day event.

Hundreds of community members lined the sidewalk, awaiting to enter the building to receive medical services. On the first day of the event, more than 560 registered patients were seen, without turning a single person away. Each patient seen had a different story of how the clinic impacted their life.

For years, Sandy, a welder, had suffered from blurry vision because of her profession. Upon attending the clinic and receiving an eye examination, she was given prescription glasses. It was the first time in years she could truly see clearly.

In addition to the medical care, haircuts, health education, a food bank and chaplaincy services were provided.

Daniel, who volunteered as a chaplain, described how Lilia, a woman in her 60s who lives alone, wept with delight after Daniel provided her spiritual care and support in her native Spanish language. She shared how coming to the clinic allowed her to connect with people and talk to people who truly care for her. She was overcome with gratitude that people would provide their time and service to help her with her health.

But the patients couldn’t have been served without the incredible efforts of the 750 volunteers from all over the Idaho area and beyond, who came to donate their time and skills to the clinic.

Among the hundreds of volunteers were students from Idaho's Gem State Adventist Academy (GSAA) who came each day to help. Many noted how the event helped them to realize how much more work connecting with the community is needed.

“I was working in the X-ray area as a translator and performing various tasks,” says Karlin, a GSAA student. “Translating showed me how much more involvement is needed in our community. It allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level.”

Each day the students served in various sections of the clinic helping with registration, organization, security, and handing out snacks and water to the patients. No matter where the students helped out, they felt rewarded.

“Being a part of the hospitality group made me realize how important it is to connect with people,” says Eli, another GSAA student.

The AMEN clinic provided a great opportunity to give back to the community, continuing the work of Jesus’ ministry in going from town to town, healing the sick and sharing the gospel (Matt. 9:35).