Seattle kicks off free health clinic with long, early morning lines

Thousands of people are eligible for free medical, vision and dental care from the Seattle-King County Health clinic, starting Thursday at Key Arena.

And while you don't need money, you do need patience.

The clinic didn't open until 6:30 this morning, but hundreds of people were already queued-up shortly after midnight for a variety of needs.

Ken Peterson, Maria Martinez and Todd Rickdal who were waiting for care in Fisher Plaza around 2:00 a.m. and told us what care they were hoping to receive.

Peterson: "Some eyeglasses, maybe a little acupuncture, the insurance really doesn't cover eyewear. And for some reason acupuncture isn't covered by my medical program. Acupuncture helps greatly."

Martinez: "Dental is too expensive. This is a good opportunity, I come in here today."

Rickdal: " I'm here for a flu shot and just you know, a check up and stuff. It's worth it because even though I have medical coverage, you see the doctor, it takes a couple to set up an appointment, I do have to pocket my premium for what it is, this is nice to have that."

More than a thousand health care and other volunteers are expected to help during the clinic.

It runs through Sunday.