Free dental, health, vision clinic to help hundreds this weekend
This weekend, about 1,000 people will get free dental, medical and vision care in Pike County. The effort is sponsored by Kentucky’s Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, which hosts a free clinic that provides free treatment to those who come from all over the state to receive it. (University of Louisville video)
Last year, 882 patients received services from volunteer health-care professionals. That meant 455 pairs of eyeglasses were given to 407 people who needed them; 386 patients received free dental services, including 974 extractions, 348 fillings and 264 cleanings; and 303 patients got free medical services.
Last year, 882 patients received services from volunteer health-care professionals. That meant 455 pairs of eyeglasses were given to 407 people who needed them; 386 patients received free dental services, including 974 extractions, 348 fillings and 264 cleanings; and 303 patients got free medical services.
This is the fourth year of the effort. The clinic opens at 6 a.m. Saturday and closes Sunday afternoon at Pike County Central High School. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Numbers will be handed out starting at 3:30 a.m. each day. For the best chance of being seen, patients should plan to arrive by 3:30 a.m. on the day they wish to be treated.
RAM-KY, modeled after a national organization with a similar name, was founded by Dr. Bill Collins in 2008. Since then, the Kentucky General Assembly has passed a law that allows licensed dental practitioners from other states to apply for and received charitable licenses so they can participate in events like Saturday’s.
For more information about RAM-KY, click here.