Thousands line up for free health care in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Thousands of South Carolina residents waited for hours in the sweltering heat for free medical, dental and vision care, overwhelming capacity for the two-day event.

WIS-TV reports (http://bit.ly/na8lri ) that doors closed at 2 p.m. Saturday, two hours ahead of schedule, as health care volunteers continued to help people.

Palmetto Health Community Services vice president Vince Ford says the effort shows the community’s tremendous need for health care.

More than 2,000 people were treated at the Carolina Coliseum over the two-day event called SC Mission 2011: Midlands.

People began lining up Thursday. Dozens spent the night on the concrete. Organizers realized Friday afternoon they couldn’t provide dental services to everyone in line, and hundreds were turned away.

Organizers say about 1,500 people volunteered.

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Information from: WIS-TV, http://www.wistv.com