Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
Since 1999, Tzu Chi USA has served the healthcare needs of farmworker families in Bakersfield in Central California by providing free clinic events. Operating without interruption for over two decades, these events have become a vital health pillar for numerous uninsured families. In 2025, amid intensifying economic pressures, soaring prices, and reduced support from government agencies and organizations, the need for Tzu Chi’s free medical care has become even more pressing.
A Health Anchor for Farmworker Families
As they do for each Bakersfield free clinic event, on November 23, 2025, Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters volunteers gathered promptly at 5:45 AM at Tzu Chi Health Center – South El Monte in Los Angeles, ready to head out by bus. After two hours on the road, they arrived at Golden Valley High School, where the event was to be held in the auditorium.
在香氣四溢中，學員們分組體驗研磨。有人細心轉動，有人興奮地搖動擂棒，茶粉、花生、芝麻的香氣在空氣中交融。攝影／駱淑麗
Patients could already be seen waiting outside the school as they approached. When the bus pulled to a stop and the volunteers stepped off, they were surprised to be greeted with enthusiastic applause, a warm reception that touched their hearts.
Over many years of returning to Bakersfield, the Tzu Chi free clinic team and the local community have built deep trust through medical care and steady follow-through. Many volunteers and patients may not know each other by name, but the familiar faces and sincere smiles at each visit reflect a bond strengthened over time. That same connection was on full display on November 23, 2025, as patients welcomed the team’s arrival with applause.
在香氣四溢中，學員們分組體驗研磨。有人細心轉動，有人興奮地搖動擂棒，茶粉、花生、芝麻的香氣在空氣中交融。攝影／駱淑麗
Local and External Volunteers Serve Hand in Hand
When the volunteers from Los Angeles arrived at the free clinic site, tables, chairs, and equipment were already neatly arranged, and patient flow routes established. This orderly setup was the result of close coordination between local volunteers and Tzu Chi’s advance team. Years of working together had built an efficient routine, allowing the venue to be set up quickly and smoothly and underscoring the strength of collaboration.
Additionally, local volunteers played a crucial role in the registration area. Among them, volunteers who spoke Spanish were especially helpful, assisting Spanish-speaking patients with registration in the language they preferred. Overall, their support helped the process run more smoothly and efficiently, highlighting the significant contribution of community volunteers.
在香氣四溢中，學員們分組體驗研磨。有人細心轉動，有人興奮地搖動擂棒，茶粉、花生、芝麻的香氣在空氣中交融。攝影／駱淑麗
Debra Boudreaux, Chief International Affairs Officer of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, joined the free clinic event on November 23 just two days after returning from international travel. She noted that when she arrived at the venue at 6:10 AM, community members were already lining up in the cold wind. “Many are residents who require regular medication to manage diabetes and blood pressure. Without insurance and unable to afford medication costs, they rely heavily on Tzu Chi’s quarterly free clinics to maintain their health.”
Boudreaux was particularly moved by how the community has developed its reliable strength over more than 20 years. “We opened the space at 6:45 AM, and by 7:30 AM, the entire clinic flow had been perfectly organized by community volunteers. They also assisted residents with registration in Spanish.” She said this demonstrates that the seeds of Tzu Chi’s companionship have taken root and flourished locally.
The local community outreach team from Dignity Health, a nonprofit U.S. healthcare provider, also participated, helping residents apply for basic government aid. “Tzu Chi only comes four times a year. Having Dignity Health involved allows residents to receive more sustained support,” noted Boudreaux. She added that many residents hesitate to approach government agencies due to concerns about understanding the system or potential changes in government policies, yet urgently seek free clinics because of chronic illnesses requiring medication.
Boudreaux also emphasized that Tzu Chi’s care goes beyond dispensing medicine. “We don’t just provide medication; we actively promote dietary and healthy lifestyle choices to help them reduce long-term reliance on drugs and achieve true physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.”
Resident Stories Highlight Urgent Needs
At the free clinic site, interactions between volunteers, residents, and the medical team became one of the event’s greatest sources of warmth and strength, as many community members shared how Tzu Chi’s medical outreach in Bakersfield has supported them over the years.
Paulina Ramírez, who has served the community for a decade, said her commitment stems from a desire to help others and her faith’s teaching to love one’s neighbor. “For families without insurance, these free clinics are the only affordable healthcare option,” she noted.
Some families have missed cancer or disease screenings due to lack of physical check-ups, tragically leading to loss of life.
在香氣四溢中，學員們分組體驗研磨。有人細心轉動，有人興奮地搖動擂棒，茶粉、花生、芝麻的香氣在空氣中交融。攝影／駱淑麗
Ramírez also stressed the importance of dental health education. “Untreated toothaches can even affect the brain,” she noted. She hopes children will understand the value of preventive care from a young age.
“Without you guys (Tzu Chi), it wouldn’t be possible for some of us to see doctors,” Montgomery said. “Today the kids even got vitamins and other things we can really use, for free. So we really appreciate the Buddhist clinic.”
The Only Hope for Uninsured Families
Luis Gustavo Suárez March learned about the free clinic event through Facebook and made a special trip to attend. “For those without insurance, this is a tremendous help,” he said. With the high cost of dental and general medical care, the free clinic event allowed him to seek treatment with peace of mind.
Before patient Sandra Canez visited the dental care station that day, she worried her front tooth might need to be extracted, meaning she wouldn’t be able to eat and laugh freely with family and friends during the upcoming holiday season. Fortunately, after assessing her condition, the doctor decided to monitor it for three months before taking next steps. “I saw the dentist, and I’m very happy that I’m not going to lose my front tooth,” she exclaimed with relief and excitement.
In previous visits to Tzu Chi USA’s free clinic events in Bakersfield, Canez received internal medicine checkups, vision screenings, and acupuncture.
Each free clinic event in Bakersfield involves two major moves – setting up and packing up. Photos/Shuli Lo
I want to thank the Tzu Chi Foundation for the wonderful medical work that they do. Their volunteers, they're always so inspiring.
Tzu Chi USA’s free clinic events in Bakersfield, California, do more than provide medical care. They serve as a humanistic bridge connecting the community. Over more than two decades, these events have inspired residents to step forward as volunteers, strengthening community care year after year. As economic hardship persists, healthcare resources remain limited, and chronic disease continues to affect many families, Tzu Chi will keep safeguarding the health of farmworker communities through medical care, health education, and companionship, bringing stability, dignity, and hope to more lives.
