UVA Students and Remote Area Medical Bring Free Healthcare to Fishersville, Virginia
Fishersville, Virginia, is hosting a free healthcare clinic this weekend, March 21-22, at the Augusta Expo Center, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the UVA chapter of Remote Area Medical (RAM) and dedicated student volunteers. The clinic provides vital vision, dental, and medical services to community members, addressing significant barriers to care.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
The clinic aims to serve individuals facing challenges in accessing healthcare, including a lack of health insurance, limited access to specialists, and other systemic barriers. “These surrounding communities have a wide variety of barriers to care,” explained Taylor Krafchick, community host co-lead with RAM at UVA. “This clinic really kind of brings that access to them.”
Services Offered
Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring no identification, insurance, or payment. The clinic provides:
- Dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions
- Eye exams and glasses
- Basic health exams and screenings
- Women’s health exams
- Pediatric healthcare
- Narcan training
- Diabetes education and testing
Additional resources, such as a clothing closet and haircuts, are also available. Augusta Free Press reports that retinal scans will also be offered.
A Grassroots Public Health Initiative
Dr. Jen Canter, a pediatrician and RAM volunteer, emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it “grassroots public health.” She highlighted UVA’s strong public health program and the clinic’s role in providing practical experience for students. The clinic also focuses on providing resources for ongoing care. “We have all types of partners that we can’t thank enough for providing patients with resources not just for today but for the future,” said Ria Raval, community host co-lead for UVA RAM.
Community Impact and Volunteerism
Volunteers, like Jack Canter, special projects lead for UVA’s RAM Fishersville Clinic, find the work deeply rewarding. “That face-to-face aspect is just super meaningful to me,” Canter said. The clinic aims to uplift the community and provide a positive experience for patients. Raval added, “It really warms my heart to be able to provide so many resources and put together something that’s so special to the Stanton, Augusta, Waynesboro community.”
Clinic Details
The clinic is open until Sunday, March 22, at the Augusta Expo Center, located at 277 Expo Road in Fishersville. Parking opens at midnight on Friday night, and clinic doors open at 6 a.m. Services are provided until capacity is reached. Remote Area Medical has provided free care to over one million individuals since 1985.
For more information, visit www.ramusa.org or call (865) 579-1530.