Largest Free Medical Clinic in the Nation is in Virginia

At the end of July, Dr. Koetting participated in a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Wise, Virginia.  This tiny town is close to the West Virginia border and, for 17 years, has been home to the largest free medical clinic in the United States.

Hundreds of people camped overnight to be the first in line to receive care.  For three days, 2,500 people received what, for many, is the only medical treatment they receive all year.

Within the vision center tent where Dr. Koetting volunteered, thirty one medical professionals saw over 700 patients in three days and provided glasses made on site for about 600 of those patients.  More than 80% of the people who attended were seeking dental or vision assistance.

Remote Area Medical (RAM) provides basic medical care to areas that are isolated, underserved and impoverished within the United States and worldwide.  In less than 24 hours, fairgrounds, schools, arenas and airports are turned into mobile medical centers with volunteers providing free general medical, dental, vision, preventative care and education for those in need.

We recently learned from Senator Mark Warner’s office how Health Wagon integrates with RAM.

We are proud and humbled by the work Dr. Koetting and the thousands of volunteers do at these desperately needed remote clinics in the Commonwealth of Virginia.