Free Community Health Screenings Continue for 23 YearsFo Guang’s Compassion Lights the Way to Community Health
The Life News Agency| Yu Xin | Los Angeles, USA
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), in collaboration with USC Arcadia Hospital, jointly held the 2025 “Bright Future” Free Health Screening on October 26 at the hospital campus. Now in its 23rd consecutive year, the event continues to transform medical care into a bridge of compassion, connecting the community through caring and hope. In addition to Fo Guang volunteers, this year’s event welcomed 30 students from the Garfield Health Center Youth Coalition at Arcadia High School. Together, they provided health services to more than 500 community members, demonstrating the younger generation’s commitment to giving back to society.
During the opening ceremony, Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, remarked that “free clinics are not only about medical examinations, but also the practice of compassion and caring.” Over the years, many participants have discovered potential health issues through the screenings and received timely treatment, while also experiencing the warmth of community support. Venerable Hui Dong expressed gratitude to Hospital Vice President Cliff Daniels, the medical teams, and volunteers for their collaboration. He also reminded everyone to maintain safety measures and orderly service so that all participants could benefit with peace of mind. He encouraged attendees, saying, “When we hold compassion in our hearts and wish for the health of all beings, this goodwill also returns to us, bringing inner peace and purity.”
Vice President Cliff Daniels shared that this marked his 13th consecutive year of participation. “For our hospital, this is the most beautiful day of the year,” he said. “We are able to fulfill our medical mission by serving residents who otherwise have limited access to healthcare. Our partnership with Hsi Lai Temple is one of our most cherished traditions.”
The atmosphere at the event was warm and uplifting. Venerable Hui Dong, Hospital President Ike Mmeje, and Vice President Cliff Daniels distributed Great Compassion Mantra blessed water, offering prayers for peace and health to participants. One attendee, who pushed his mother in a wheelchair to the clinic, said emotionally, “We come every year. Thank you to Fo Guang Shan and the hospital for their many years of unwavering care.” The group later visited various screening stations to thank medical staff and volunteers, presenting them with tokens of appreciation. Huang Yu-Chi, President of the BLIA Arcadia Subchapter, assisted in the event throughout the day.
For this year’s clinic, the hospital provided the venue, medical equipment, and more than 100 professional healthcare providers. The Los Angeles BLIA Chapter mobilized 130 Fo Guang volunteers to assist with site setup and traffic flow. Responding to community needs, new screening services were added this year, including ophthalmology, thyroid screening, fatty liver examinations, mental health services, and financial consultations. Additional services included flu vaccinations, blood pressure checks, bone density testing, breast cancer screening, body fat analysis, and cardiology consultations—totaling 16 essential services.
Over the past 23 years, the “Bright Future” Free Health Screening has safeguarded community health through compassionate action, uniting the power of healthcare professionals, volunteers, and youth. By bringing medical services directly to the people in need, it has illuminated hearts and spread the warmth of Buddha’s Light throughout communities across Southern California.
Photo Caption:
(Photos 01–10 by Zhicheng Zhang)
