Arizona SonShine serves those in need.
Services will include naturopathic medicine, school physicals and medical screenings, legal services, child care while receiving services, vaccinations, dental care, eye exams and glasses, hearing evaluations, health coaching, mental health services and diabetes education.
The event is hosted by the Seventh Day Adventist Church and is open to the public.
The Arizona SonShine non-profit organization provides a wide menu of health care services, at one location, on an annual basis to residents who might not otherwise receive services. Michelle Ritzer, assistant director for the free health clinic, said the ministry of Arizona SonShine began in 2015. “Since that time, there have been eight events in Prescott Valley. The only year we did not hold an event was in 2020, during the pandemic,” she said.
Arizona SonShine has held healthcare events throughout the state, including in Payson, Cottonwood, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Casa Grande and Mesa, plus an international event in the Philippines.
“Over the last decade, Arizona SonShine has provided millions of dollars in services to thousands of individuals who otherwise could not afford them,” said Ritzer. “There are no pre-qualifiers to receive services. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no questions asked.”
Arizona SonShine extends its services beyond its annual events by conducting follow-up checkups in communities.
“We offer classes in reversing diabetes, depression and anxiety recovery programs, financial education, nutrition and cooking classes, and much more throughout the year and at no cost to Arizona SonShine attendees.”
Dr. Michael Lee, director of dentistry, has been volunteering at the clinic for seven years and has witnessed the need for dental services grow. He says the doctors, dentists and other professionals who volunteer there are busy from the time they arrive until they leave. “Some people camp overnight so they can get the services they need,” he said.
Lee said when he started at SonShine, the clinic was renting dental equipment. Today, the organization owns the equipment and has 10 dental chairs available for patients. This year, five dentists have volunteered. He says SonShine can always use more.
Lee opened his dental practice in Prescott eight years ago. Prior to that, he had been on the staff at Loma Linda University dental school, where he earned his degree. He also worked in dentistry on an eight-year mission to Guam. During that time, he brought his skills to the remote islands of Micronesia, as well. “The people were very nice and it was beautiful and tropical,” he said.
When he moved to Prescott and learned about the SonShine free clinic from his church, it felt natural to him to support it. Through SonShine, he and other volunteer dentists perform extractions, fillings and cleanings.
“The best part of the clinic is helping people in need who have little access to care. Some of the people are homeless, some have no income, some have no insurance and they have been hurting for a long time,” he said. “All of them are grateful for the services we provide.”
Lee said dentistry is changing as it has become more digital. His advice to dental students is to learn as much as possible.
“It’s important to shadow dental offices and watch them,” he said. “And, it’s always good for dental students to give back because it’s a good experience.” QCBN
For more information about Arizona SonShine, call 928-300-6329 or visit ArizonaSonShine.info.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Dr. Michael Lee has been volunteering with dental services at the clinic for seven years.
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