CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Continuing its efforts to assist Lake County residents displaced and affected by the recent wildfires that ravaged much of the south county area, Worldwide Healing Hands will conduct free health screenings and medical aid Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Moose Lodge, 15900 E. Highway 20, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Fire evacuees and homeless individuals do not necessarily have to be staying at the Moose Lodge to take advantage of the services offered Saturday by Worldwide Healing Hands, says the group’s medical director, Dr. Paula Dhanda.

Worldwide Healing Hands is a nonprofit organization that provides free health screenings to homeless in Lake County, and health care services to women and children in underserved areas of the world.

The organization's teams have traveled to Nepal, Chad and Haiti to deliver health services. In October a team will conduct a mission to assist healthcare providers in a clinic in the Kabale District of Uganda.

Saturday’s scheduled health screening is the group’s second visit to the shelter. Dhanda was among 28 volunteers who met with evacuees Sept. 19 to address medical issues.

“The need is great – families had to leave so quickly from their homes that they left medicine and supplies behind. We decided without hesitation Saturday that we must host another clinic,” said Dhanda.

Nearly 30 people were screened and assisted during the first screening event. The lack of medications due to the speed at which people had to leave their homes was high on the list of issues Worldwide Healing Hands addressed Saturday, said Dhanda.

“We’re likely to see cases of post traumatic stress disorder as long-term effects in many of these people who have gone through evacuation and loss,” Dhanda said.

Three physicians, eight nurses, four counselors and several high school students were among the Worldwide Healing Hands volunteers, a group that was assembled for Saturday with only 24 hours notice.

“I was impressed with the willingness of so many people to help members of our community on such short notice,” said Dhanda, who expressed her gratitude for the volunteers who gave their time. “We had five nurses come from Ukiah Valley Medical Center and another nurse travel from Sacramento to pitch in. I am grateful for the assistance from Dr. John Weeks, the chief of staff at St. Helena Hospital, Clearlake, and Dr. Kirk Andrus, a physician with the VA Hospital.”

Dhanda also praised the efforts of the students who joined the group. They were active in organizing the supplies and in helping volunteers at the Moose Lodge sort pantry items. The were also able to assist the nurses and doctors, she added.

“The students were awesome. It was an enlightening experience for many of them who are interested in health care. I think they came away with feelings of accomplishment,” she said.

For information about upcoming screenings, Worldwide Healing Hands missions and volunteer opportunities, visit www.worldwidehealinghands.org .