ROCKFORD, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Remote Area Medical (RAM), a major non-profit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality, dental, vision and medical care to underserved and uninsured individual, returns to Jellico this weekend, May 15 & 16, to provide free dental, vision, and medical care.

All RAM services are free, and no ID is required. Free dental, vision, and medical services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The free clinic, in collaboration with members of the community, will be held at Jellico High School, located at 141 High School Ln. in Jellico.

Remote Area Medical is glad to be able to return to help bring free services to those in need in the Jellico community. “This has been an especially challenging time for most, and there is more need for access to healthcare than ever before,” said RAM CEO Jeff Eastman. “Thank you to all the volunteers who are coming to help those in need.”

The free clinic, in collaboration with Woodland Community Center, is RAM’s first in Jellico, since the local hospital had to close its doors. Floods have also impacted the community this year.

Free services available at the RAM free clinic will include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental x-rays, eye exams, glaucoma testing, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women’s health exams, mental health services, and general medical exams.

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee will be on-site distributing free bags of food to patients following their RAM service. Hundreds of food boxes will also be open to the community, available to anyone in need on a first-come, first-served basis.

The patient parking lot will open no later than 12:01 am, Saturday, May 15, and remain open. As patients arrive at the parking lot, they will be provided with additional information regarding clinic opening processes and next steps. *Clinic doors open at 6 am.*  This process will repeat on Sunday.

Patients should be prepared with their own food, water, medicines, and clothing, when arriving early. Bathrooms will be provided. Due to time constraints, patients should be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services. Free medical services are offered, in addition to dental or vision services, to every patient attending the clinic.

In some situations, such as inclement weather, volunteer cancellations, or other circumstances outside of RAM’s control, the parking lot may open earlier or a smaller number of patients may be served. *RAM encourages everyone who would like services, especially dental services, to arrive as early as possible. Clinic closing time may vary based on each service area’s daily capacity.

In response to COVID-19, RAM has incorporated and developed new disinfecting and safety processes. All patients will be required to wear a face covering and must undergo a COVID-19 screening before entering the clinic. Guests and family members of patients will not be allowed to enter the building. New air flow, disinfecting processes, and capacity limitations have also been put in place to ensure the safety of patients, staff and volunteers.

Since RAM’s founding in 1985, more than 863,000 individuals have received free services. For more information about volunteering at a RAM pop-up medical clinic or to donate,

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