Fentress County, Tenn. — Remote Area Medical will continue its mission to bring free health care to those who need this weekend, just ten days after the death of its founder and president.
Stan Brock, who founded RAM in 1985 to serve as a safety net provider of free medical care, died on August 29 after suffering a stroke. The 82-year-old's life will be celebrated on September 27 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium at 6 p.m.
But this weekend, his dedicated staff and volunteers will spend two days offering free medical, vision, and dental services to people in need in Fentress County.
“This will be RAM’s first time providing free dental and medical care to people in Fentress County. We know there is great need in the area and we are thrilled to be able to help,” said the late Brock. RAM last visited the county in 2002 where the organization provided $6,075 worth of free veterinary care to 86 animals. Veterinary services will also be offered this time.
The clinic is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, and Sunday, September 9, at South Fentress Elementary School, located at 5018 Wilder Road, Grimsley, TN 38565.
Services available at the RAM clinic include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental x-rays, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women's health exams, and general medical exams. Registration for free veterinary services (spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping) will also be available, but do not bring pets to the clinic.
The clinic parking lot will open no later than 12 a.m. midnight on Saturday, September 8. Ticket distribution begins at 3 a.m., and patients will be seen in chronological order according to their ticket number when clinic doors open at 6 a.m. This process will repeat on Sunday, September 9.
RAM is still in need of additional vision and dental professionals to volunteer their time and skills in Fentress County. For more information about volunteering at a RAM mobile medical clinic, please visit www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.
Brock requested that donations be made in his memory to RAM in lieu of flowers. For more information on donating, visit www.ramusa.org.