Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
At Tzu Chi’s free clinic, held every three months in Bakersfield, California, one can always spot a volunteer moving energetically from task to task. More than a decade ago, Paulina Ramirez witnessed several loved ones lose their lives to cancer after delayed treatment caused by financial hardship. Those painful experiences gave her a profound understanding of the barriers underserved families face when trying to access medical care. Determined to make a difference, she began volunteering at Tzu Chi’s free clinics with her young daughter, hoping to help more people receive timely healthcare.
On May 24, 2026, Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters Region hosted a free clinic at Golden Valley High School in Bakersfield, California, bringing compassionate care and medical services directly to the community. The event served more than 80 individuals in need.
The free clinic offered a variety of healthcare services, including general medicine, dentistry, and acupuncture, supported by 25 professional volunteers. Physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and licensed acupuncturists all contributed their expertise and compassion to help community members protect and improve their health.
Mother and Daughter Join Forces to Raise Awareness of the Free Clinic
“I started volunteering because I saw that many people don’t have health insurance and cannot afford medical care,” Paulina recalled. Having lost her mother, grandmother, and aunt to cancer, she deeply understands the importance of preventive healthcare and early intervention.
“I hope everyone can receive screenings and treatment before their condition worsens,” Paulina expressed.
For more than ten years, Paulina has served not only as a dedicated free clinic volunteer but also as an important bridge connecting Tzu Chi with the local community.
To ensure that more people in need learn about the clinics, Paulina proactively distributes flyers at Latino-owned businesses and shares information through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
She has also worked with friends to connect with online content creators who help produce promotional videos, increasing awareness of free healthcare services among local residents.
More people are willing to seek medical care after watching these videos.
At every clinic, Paulina helps patients check in, create medical records, manage patient flow, and coordinate follow-up appointments. From registering new patients to facilitating ongoing care, she provides attentive support that helps ensure clinic operations run smoothly and efficiently.
According to Paulina, Tzu Chi also collaborates with Dignity Health medical teams. Volunteer interpreters help bridge communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring services remain accessible and responsive to community needs.
A Family United in Service: Extending the Power of Kindness
In addition to her own volunteer work, Paulina has inspired her family to embrace a spirit of service. Her husband, relatives, and even her sister-in-law have joined Tzu Chi’s volunteer team, working together to support the community.
“When we learn to help our neighbors, it brings peace to our hearts,” Paulina said.
She hopes her daughter will grow into someone who contributes meaningfully to the community and understands the importance of giving back.
“They are very grateful to Tzu Chi for providing free medical care to patients, and they hope to work together to do even more for the community,” Paulina said.
Through donations of fresh produce and acts of kindness, compassion continues to ripple outward, creating opportunities for even more community-centered activities in the future.
A Daughter Inspired by Service Aspires to Become a Dentist
Influenced by her mother’s example, Berenice has accompanied Paulina to Tzu Chi’s free clinics since she was five years old. She has now been volunteering for more than a decade.
As a child, she served as an English-Spanish interpreter between doctors and patients. Today, she assists patients with forms, answers questions, and provides support throughout their clinic experience. She has become an invaluable young volunteer.
Years of participation in free clinics have also inspired her future career aspirations. “I want to become a dentist when I grow up,” Berenice said.
She explained that volunteering has taught her a great deal and helped her witness firsthand the importance of accessible healthcare. Her mother’s encouragement to help others has become a powerful motivation in her life.
Berenice also embodies the spirit of Tzu Chi’s Bamboo Bank initiative. “My mom gave me this Bamboo Bank and told me it would help a lot of people.”
She shared that after every shopping trip, she places her spare change into the Bamboo Bank, hoping that small acts of kindness can add up to make a meaningful difference for those in need.
Free Clinics Help Residents Detect Health Issues Early
Tzu Chi’s free clinics not only inspire volunteers but also positively impact the lives of countless residents.
Treating patients like family, doctors participating in the free clinic provide compassionate care as they would for their own loved ones. Photo/Shuli Lo
Rogelio Martinez, who visited the clinic for a health screening, learned about the event through social media. After receiving blood pressure and blood sugar tests, he discovered elevated blood sugar levels and was able to begin treatment early.
“Everyone here is very friendly, and most importantly, it’s completely free,” he said. He encouraged individuals without health insurance, or those experiencing health concerns, to take advantage of the opportunity to receive screenings and care.
Martinez also noted that the quarterly clinic provides essential health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks, which are especially important for residents with limited access to healthcare services.
Translation and Compassion Bring Humanity to Healthcare
Volunteer interpreter Julia Saenz has been a longtime participant in Tzu Chi’s free clinics.
She said that helping medical staff communicate effectively with patients through interpretation brings her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Tzu Chi’s free clinic team works together seamlessly to serve the community. Photo/Shuli Lo
The Tzu Chi team is very efficient and compassionate, always treating everyone with respect and care. I am very grateful that they came to serve the community here.
Josephine, 75, accompanied her husband and a friend to the clinic. Although she has generally enjoyed good health, she believes Tzu Chi’s free clinics help fill important gaps in the healthcare system.
This foundation is so kind to everyone. We need more people to join us.
“Many people don’t have health insurance, and even when they do, it doesn’t necessarily cover all of their healthcare needs,” she said.
She added that the services provided by Tzu Chi create opportunities for more people to receive necessary care.
Free Clinics Sow Seeds of Kindness and Hope
The story of Paulina and her family reflects the lasting impact of Tzu Chi’s free clinics. Motivated by personal loss, Paulina chose to help others, inspired her family to serve alongside her, and passed on the spirit of compassion to her daughter.
For more than a decade, countless patients have benefited from the dedication of volunteers like Paulina and her family. Through each clinic, Tzu Chi not only provides medical care but also plants seeds of kindness, hope, and human connection, allowing compassion to continue spreading throughout the Bakersfield community.
