KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Remote Area Medical returned to Knoxville on Jan. 13 to provide free medical services for anyone who needs them. They said they saw nearly 1,000 patients and gave more than $600,000 worth of medical care.
"These clinics, they benefit patients and individuals. But in communities, it's important people know we're a resource and there is help out there for them," said Brad Hutchins, a clinic coordinator.
The event lasted until Jan. 15 at 11 a.m., according to RAM's website. They welcomed patients at the Jacob Building and gave free dental, vision and medical services on a first-come, first-served basis.
They also said due to time constraints, patients may have needed to choose between dental and vision services. However, they said medical services would be offered to every patient attending the clinic.
Some of the specific services they offered include dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, dental X-rays, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women's health exams and general medical exams.
No ID was required to access services.
They said anyone who wanted services, especially dental services, should arrive as early as possible. They said the patient parking lot would open no later than 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 12, and it would remain open throughout the duration of the clinic.
They said that since RAM was founded in 1985, they served more than 88,500 people and provided free care worth more than $181.5 million.
Anyone who wants to volunteer with RAM in the future should reach out to them at 865-579-1530 or online.
In some situations, RAM said they might open the parking lot earlier or may serve a smaller number of patients. Those situations include inclement weather or volunteer cancellations.