The Conejo Free Clinic, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente of Thousand Oaks, recently hosted its eighth annual free Women’s Health Fair for underinsured and uninsured women at the Kaiser Permanente medical center in Thousand Oaks.

Free services offered included breast cancer education, clinical breast exam, mammograms and off-site mammogram referrals, Pap test, blood pressure check, complete lab work to include diabetes and cholesterol screening and STD testing. Educational materials were provided.

“Each year the number of women has steadily increased,” said Teresa Seeley, executive director of the Conejo Free Clinic. “However, this year the number dropped from 105 last year to 88 this year due primarily to the increase in services provided at the clinic, which has seen a large spike in the number of patients each week. In March we had an increase of 218 percent over the prior month.”

The women attending the health fair ranged in age from 24 to 81, with the majority coming from Conejo Valley communities and Simi Valley. Women also came from the San Fernando Valley, including Canoga Park, Reseda, Sylmar and Woodland Hills. Each woman received free services that would normally amount to hundreds of dollars.

“We have detected breast cancer and other serious disorders during these routine screenings,” said Judy Hillis, clinic board member and co-chair of the Women’s Health Fair. “Finding problems early can save lives, and that’s what we hope we do.”

Doctors, nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants performed the exam room services. There were nine medical providers, 12 registered nurses and six translators to assist the back office. Additional professional/ skilled community volunteers ushered the female patients through the testing during the three-hour event.

The Conejo Free Clinic is a nonprofit healthcare organization that has been in Thousand Oaks for more than 30 years.

The clinic provides family practice, women’s health, pediatrics, immunizations and legal services free of charge.

For more information, call the clinic at (805) 497-3575 or visit www.conejofreeclinic.org.