Amidst the reality of scarce medical resources and the difficulty many people face in accessing or affording healthcare, the nonprofit organization Remote Area Medical (RAM) plans to hold a two-day free clinic in Harrisonburg, Virginia, from October 25th to 26th.
Due to the urgent need, such clinics often attract long lines of patients, some even staying overnight in parking lots to secure treatment slots.
The clinic will provide free dental, vision, and general medical services to those in need, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, eye exams, glasses, routine health checkups, and women’s health exams. All services are free of charge, and no ID or insurance is required.
To ensure the smooth operation of the event and reach more patients, RAM is actively recruiting volunteers, particularly those with dental and vision skills, as well as those with general support skills.
“The number of patients we can serve depends on the number of volunteers we have,” said Alison McCauley-Cook, RAM’s media coordinator. “The more volunteers we have, the more people we can help.”
Volunteer responsibilities will vary depending on individual background and role. Medical professionals can provide specialized services, while general volunteers may handle patient registration, orientation, and assistance with eyeglass fittings. Volunteers will also be needed to assist with clinic setup and removal on October 24th and 27th.
This free clinic marks RAM’s fourth in Harrisonburg since 2019, aiming to bring tangible assistance to communities facing underserved healthcare resources. The organization hopes that with more volunteers, it can expand its service capacity and reach more people.
