Norwalk

Coast Plaza Medical Center in Norwalk will provide free emergency medical care during the holidays for unemployed persons who do not have health insurance.

The program, limited to residents of Norwalk, Downey and Santa Fe Springs, begins Thanksgiving Day and ends New Year’s Day. The program covers emergency treatment of burns, cuts, sprains, fractures, puncture wounds and other minor emergencies. The free treatment does not extend to major emergencies, routine physicals, admission to the hospital, surgery or follow-up care.

“We know many people have to choose between paying the rent and receiving emergency treatment for a cut or burn,” said Dr. Isi J. Russ, directing physician of the emergency department at 13100 S. Studebaker Road, Norwalk.

“We chose the holiday season because of the pressure many out-of-work families can feel at this time. They already have the strain of purchasing gifts or special foods and if something unexpected occurs, the pressure grows.”