Free clinic in Arkansas tied to health debate

Associated Press - November 19, 2009 2:34 PM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A nonprofit group's campaign to hold free medical clinics for the uninsured in three states is also turning into a non-so-subtle jab at moderate Democrats to support their party's health-care overhaul efforts.

More than 800 patients have signed up for a free clinic at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock on Saturday.

The event is the second the National Association of Free Clinics has held in the past month under a campaign promoted by MSNBC's Keith Olbermann. More than 1,000 people showed up at a health clinic held by the association in New Orleans on Nov. 14, and a 2-day free clinic is planned in Kansas City, Mo. on Dec. 9-10.

Olbermann has said he wanted the clinics held in states of senators who are undecided on legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system.