Many people live in fear of sickness and injury simply because they have little or no access to basic medical care. Remote Area Medical (RAM) responds to this need by providing free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those who cannot afford it. In less than 24 hours RAM turns fairgrounds, schools, jungles and arenas into mobile medical centers.
County Mayor Tim Stribling announced in December that a RAM center will be set up on March 28 and 29 (this Saturday and Sunday) at DeKalb County High School for anyone, including those without medical insurance, or those who are un-insured, under-insured, unemployed, under-employed, and/or who cannot afford to pay for services.
The corps’ last two visits to the county were also hosted by the high school, in August 2005 and November 2010
The RAM event, operated by the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, provides health, dental, vision, preventive care, and education in underserved, isolated, or impoverished communities all over the world.
"My vision for RAM developed when I suffered a personal injury while living among the Wapishana Indians in Guyana, South America," said Founder and President Stan Brock, "I was isolated from medical care, which was about a 26-day journey away. I witnessed the near devastation of whole tribes by what would have been simple or minor illnesses to more advanced cultures. When I left Guyana, I vowed to find a way to deliver basic medical aid to people in the world’s inaccessible regions. So, in 1985 I established the non-profit, Remote Area Medical or as most people know us - RAM. RAM is the way I have kept that promise, not only to the Wapishana Indians, but to thousands around the world in similar conditions. In other words, there are Wapishanas everywhere."
Founded in 1985, RAM is a publicly supported all-volunteer charitable organization. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and support workers participate in expeditions (at their own expense). Medical supplies, medicines, facilities and vehicles are donated.
The RAM clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis and registration will begin at 6 a.m. on both days. Patients may show up as early as 3 a.m. to obtain a ticket, so patients should be prepared for a long wait. Patients may choose either dental (cleaning, fillings, and extractions) or vision (eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, and eyeglasses made on-site, depending on the demands of a patient’s prescription), and medical (general medical consults, women's health exams) services will be available.
RAM is a non-profit, volunteer corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world.
Founded in 1985, RAM is a publicly supported all-volunteer charitable organization. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and support workers participate in expeditions (at their own expense). Medical supplies, medicines, facilities and vehicles are donated.
Medical professionals, or anyone else who would like to volunteer, may sign up at www.ramusa.org. or may call the County Mayor's office at 615-597-5175. Anyone who wants to make a donation should also contact the County Mayor's Office at the above number.
