This weekend, Enid residents will have a valuable opportunity to stay healthy. Free pop-up clinics organized by Remote Area Medical (RAM) will provide medical, dental and vision care services at the Stride Bank Center on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13.
The event is open to everyone, without proof of insurance, and without restrictions on income or immigration status. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Janet Cordell, long-time RAM volunteer and director of the Enid Health Department, pointed out that this service fills a gap in medical access for many residents.
“For some people, access to basic medical services is already difficult, and dental and vision care opportunities are even more scarce,” she said. “Especially for working parents, it is even more difficult to take time out to see a doctor. Clinics like this provide a practical solution for them.”
A variety of free services will be provided on site, including dental cleanings, fillings, extractions and X-rays. Vision services will be completed in RAM’s mobile lab, including vision exams and on-site glasses.
However, due to the huge demand, patients who come to the clinic need to choose between “dental” and “vision” services when registering. However, if there is enough time and volunteers on the day, some patients may still receive both services.
In addition, all patients can also receive routine medical services, including pediatrics, physical examinations, women’s health examinations and diabetes screenings.
The clinic is open for business hours:
Saturday (July 12): 6 am to 6 pm
Sunday (July 13): 6 am to 2 pm
In order to cope with the large flow of people, the parking lot of Stride Bank Center will open at 11:59 pm on Friday, when volunteers will begin to issue numbered tickets.
Cordell recommends that patients arrive at the site as early as possible to increase their chances of receiving services. “If you wait until Sunday, it may be too late.”
The RAM website also reminds patients to prepare the necessary medications, snacks, water, warm clothes and items to pass the time in advance to cope with long waits.
After the consultation, patients may be referred to a partner agency for follow-up treatment. RAM also helps those with insurance connect with in-network providers, and for those without insurance, RAM will work with organizations like the Great Salt Plains Health Center and Oklahoma Project Woman to ensure they get the help they need.
“This is a true universal health opportunity,” Cordell said. “It may be your only chance to get free care. If you have unmet health issues, now is the time to act.”