On Sunday, July 20, Dharma Realm Buddhist University’s Sudhana Center, on South Hope Street in downtown Ukiah, transformed into a vibrant one-day pop-up clinic, providing free care to seventy-one patients, many of whom are uninsured or underinsured.

Tzu Chi Foundation and DRBU prepared the venue on Saturday, setting up equipment and workstations. This “Healing Hands and Caring Hearts” event was fully volunteer-run, with fifty volunteers participating—seventeen of whom are licensed medical professionals.

The healthcare team included four dentists, three dental assistants, two X-ray technicians, three acupuncturists, two registered nurses, a nurse practitioner, a chiropractor, and a pharmacist. Services ranged from dental care and chiropractic treatment to acupuncture and basic health screenings. 

Yahir Hernandez, a young man who learned about the event at the Ukiah Food Bank, came for dental care. “It was perfect for me: quick and good,” he said.

Mrs. Bostick, in her seventies, received chiropractic treatment and said it “healed both of my shoulders with half my pain gone.” She added, “Dr. Hui also taught me how to exercise.”

“We wanted the community to feel supported when it comes to their health,” said Alex Tsao, Tzu Chi executive team member. “This was truly a team effort and labor of love between local organizations spreading the word alongside volunteers coming together in service.”

Local businesses also lent their support: Asian Grand Buffet provided vegetarian lunch, Amita Garden donated dumplings, and Black Oak Coffee supplied complimentary breakfast coffee.

Tzu Chi expressed hope to return in the future to bridge healthcare gaps. For more information or to volunteer, contact Tzu Chi Ukiah at (707) 234-7288 or email ukiah_admin@tzuchi.us. Learn more about the organizers at www.tzuchi.us/offices/sanjose and www.tzuchimedical.us.