Pop-Up Clinic Needs Volunteers to See More Jamestown Patients

Remote Area Medical is holding a pop-up clinic in Jamestown to bring free vision, dental and medical services on November 21-22.

CEO Jeff Eastman said getting healthcare professionals to volunteer is critical to how many appointments RAM can take over the two days. Eastman said the time could not be more critical for volunteers.

“There’s been millions of people who’ve lost their jobs and their insurance during this COVID-19 situation and if you have insurance, the deductibles are so high,” Eastman said. “It’s $1,500, $2,500 for a deductible and then 80/20, combine that with a lack of resources and providers, it’s just a perfect storm.”

Healthcare workers can volunteer their services by visiting www.ramusa.org and clicking on volunteer. Eastman said Upper Cumberland healthcare workers would be helping the people, who help them.

“You’re helping that individual who is your favorite waitress who couldn’t take time off and couldn’t afford to go to bring their family,” Eastman said. “When you checked out at that grocery store, that we call essential workers now, that clerk, that cashier will be there.”

Eastman said the need for free vision, dental and medical services are not a unique issue that only Jamestown needs. Eastman said when a RAM pop-up clinic finds a location anywhere in Tennessee, they share the same issues.

“They usually have less resources and less providers, higher negative outcomes for health,” Eastman said. “It actually tells me that where we’re going with these clinics is exactly where the need is. Unfortunately, every year we have to turn down over 50 different communities asking for help, and this was pre-COVID.”

Eastman said appointment scheduling starts on November 9 and residents in need can call 865-500-8555 from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Residents do not need an ID to be seen at the clinic.