UVa Health System sets record with free clinic

The University of Virginia Health System says it broke all previous records at the three-day 2008 Remote Area Medical clinic in Wise.

The Health System reports that it sponsored 217 volunteers at the 2008 RAM clinic held last summer, a 31 percent increase from 2007.

The volunteers included staff physicians, nurses and social workers, as well as pharmacy and lab employees, patient registration and general volunteers and members of the Thomas Jefferson EMS Task Force.

During RAM 2008, patient visits provided by UVa volunteers numbered 1,846, up 15 percent from 2007.

The total value of care provided by UVa at RAM 2008 was $1,048,942, a record amount. The sum includes volunteer time/salary expense ($143,854) and patient services ($905,088). Additionally, the Health System spent $28,985 on medical supplies and volunteer housing and travel.

RAM in Wise is the nation’s largest mobile free healthcare clinic. Since its inception in 2000, the clinic has been organized and coordinated by The Health Wagon, a mobile health provider in Clinchco.

Overall, RAM stats show 1,584 volunteers served 2,670 patients in Wise last year.

This year’s RAM clinic will be held July 24-26. During its 30 hours of operation, the clinic will provide dental, eye, hearing and medical care on a first come, first served basis to people who are uninsured, underinsured, unemployed or otherwise cannot afford to pay.