Free medical, dental and vision services this weekend

Remote Area Medical — RAM — a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need — will hold a free, two-day clinic this weekend, May 21-22.

RAM will be set up at Jellico Elementary School, located at 551 Sunset Trail, Jellico, for only two days. All RAM services are free, and no ID is required. Free dental and medical services, as well as limited vision services, will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to a news release, the patient parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday night, May 20, and remain open for the duration of the clinic. Once in the parking lot, additional information regarding clinic opening processes and next steps will be provided. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m.

Medical services are offered free to every patient attending the clinic. Vision services will include filling prescriptions that are no more than two years old for glasses. All patients will be required to wear a face covering and must undergo a COVID-19 screening before entering the clinic. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit www.ramusa.org or call (865) 579-1530. You do not have to be a resident of the Jellico area to get the free services.

Services available at the free RAM clinic include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental X-Rays, eyeglasses made on-site for prescriptions less than two years old, women's health exams and general medical exams. Free take-home colon cancer screening test kits will also be available.

In some situations outside RAM’s control, such as inclement weather, volunteer cancellations or other circumstances, 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. For more information,see RAM’s FAQ page at the website listed above.