Ram CA Expedition: Volunteer Healthcare Professionals Needed for Health Clinic

Free medical, dental and vision care will be offered at a massive health clinic to be held by RAM CA for Coachella Valley Residents April 4-7, 2013 at the Riverside County Farigrounds in Indio, CA.  Healthcare professionals from California are expected to provide care for an anticipated 800 people per day if the event is fully staffed.

Due to the increased need for access to care, numerous healthcare professionals including Oral Surgeons, Dentists, Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental X-RAY Techs, Ophthalmologists, Optometrist, Opticians, Ophthalmic Techs, Doctors, Nurses, LVN’s/LPN’s, EMT’s, Acupuncturists and Chiropractors, are needed to make this event a success.  Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to register at www.ram-ca.org.

“We need this clinic to operate at full capacity so we won’t have to turn people away who need help,” states Pamela Congdon, RAM California President and Volunteer Coordinator.  “Healthcare providers who volunteer at RAM CA events make a huge difference in peoples’ lives and the care they give is often life-changing.” California organizers are also recruiting general volunteers for the event.

Wherever RAM clinics have been held, the need for its services has been evidenced by the large and often overwhelming crowds of people who attend.  RAM clinics typically serve the uninsured, underinsured and impoverished. However, according to RAM founder Stan Brock, recent clinics have seen an increase in the newly jobless, the working poor and insured families who are unable to pay high insurance co-pays and deductibles.

The Healthcare clinics will have at least 50 dental chairs, 10-15 medical exam rooms and 20 eye exam stations.  Mobile vision labs will produce free prescription eyeglasses on site.  Dentistry will include cleanings, fillings and extractions. Medical doctors will provide services ranging from consultation and diagnosis to minor medical procedures.  Nurses will staff triage areas and provide medical assistance.

Clinic patients will be seen on a first-come-first serve basis, with no income test or eligibility requirement of any kind to receive treatment.

RAM California was incorporated on September 19, 2011 as an affiliate of the Remote Area Medical Foundation.  RAM CA is holding the Coachella Valley Expedition at the invitation of the East Valley Community Trust and is supported by the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CALAOMS), The Flying Doctors and Goldenvoice.

About Remote Area Medical

Founded in 1985, RAM is a charitable relief organization based in Knoxville, Tennessee, that hosts clinics in medically underserved areas, both in the United States and other parts of the world.  First known for its relief efforts in remote areas of third world countries, and later in rural Appalachia, RAM was profiled on “60 Minutes” in 2008. The program generated a tremendous response that facilitated an outreach into urban America, where the millions of uninsured and underinsured continue to grow.

RAM has conducted over 660 free health clinics to date, ranging from county fairgrounds in Appalachia, to sports arenas in Los Angeles, to the city zoo in post-Katrina New Orleans.  According to founder and volunteer CEO Brock, who works full time and without pay, “From RAM’s beginning in 1985, we have never charged for our work.  We just ask for the opportunity to provide care where it is most needed.”

All RAM events are staffed entirely by volunteer medical (and non-medical) personnel; supplies and equipment are donated or provided by RAM.  All services are not only cost free to clients, but are cost free to the taxpayer and government.  RAM, a 501C-3 entity, is supported by contributions and fundraising efforts.

The following video clip shows the expeditions that were held in Northern California.
April 2011 RAM California clinics -     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQVTjY56TEw

The following 3-minute video clip shows one of RAM’s large urban clinics in Los Angeles, 2009  *MSNBC – August 2009 MSNBC – (08-15-09) Free LA Health Clinic …

The following segment from “60 Minutes” tells the inspiring RAM story (13 minutes)

*CBS – March 2008 Lifeline - 60 Minutes - CBS News www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3898008n

For more information on RAM California, please contact:

Pamela Congdon/RAM California President and Volunteer - (916) 749-4170 –Pamela@ram-ca.org