Vista, CA – Vista Community Clinic (VCC) is proud to welcome back Fresh Start Surgical Gifts to provide free medical screenings for children in need. The first screening clinic of the year will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at VCC’s Vale Terrace Pediatrics location (1000 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084). This free screening clinic will evaluate children for procedures such as cleft lip and palate repair, scar revision, ear reconstruction and other reconstructive surgeries caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease.
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children with physical deformities, partners with VCC to ensure that families in underserved communities have access to life-changing reconstructive surgeries and medical care—at no cost to them. Screenings help determine eligibility for procedures such as cleft lip and palate repair, ear reconstruction, and scar revision, as well as repairs for injuries like broken noses that are not covered by insurance. Children with visible scarring from dog bites, burns, or even severe acne may also qualify for care. Other conditions evaluated may include vascular lesions, jaw deformities, extra or webbed fingers or toes, and congenital ear differences.
“VCC is committed to ensuring that all families, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to the healthcare services they need,” said Dr. Sarah Fatland, Chief Medical Officer at VCC. “Through our continued partnership with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, we can connect children in our community with expert surgical care that truly changes lives.”
This free screening clinic will evaluate children for procedures such as cleft lip and palate repair, scar revision, ear reconstruction, and other reconstructive surgeries. Families can walk in or register in advance by visiting www.freshstart.org and selecting “apply for help,” or calling 760-448-2018. Event flyers will also have a QR code that can be scanned. Nurse Jill will be on-site to complete screenings and answer questions about Fresh Start Surgical Gifts’ services.
VCC serves over 70,000 patients annually across San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties, offering high-quality, affordable healthcare to families who need it most. With over a third of VCC’s patients younger than 19, the need for accessible pediatric care remains a priority. By collaborating with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, VCC is helping ensure that children and teens have access to high-quality, no-cost reconstructive care that can improve their health, confidence, and quality of life.
Since 1991, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts has provided over $60 million in donated medical care and transformed the lives of more than 9,000 children. With the support of world-class medical professionals who volunteer their time, Fresh Start continues to make a lasting impact on children and families across the country.
