In Philadelphia, nearly 115,000 residents lack health insurance and many more struggle with the cost of care.
This weekend, a national nonprofit is stepping in to help—bringing free dental, vision, and medical care to Philadelphia.
Remote Area Medical (RAM) will host a two-day clinic offering free dental, vision, and general medical care at the School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Avenue, on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17. No insurance, ID, or appointment is required, and services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The clinic, held in collaboration with DentMed Inc., will provide dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, and X-rays; eye exams, prescriptions, and on-site eyeglasses; women’s health screenings; and general medical exams.
“Millions of people lack access to the healthcare they need,” said Sandra Hall, a Clinic Coordinator at RAM, “and our goal is to bridge that gap by providing free dental, vision, and medical care to anyone in need.”
The parking lot will open at midnight Friday, Aug. 15, with patients receiving instructions upon arrival. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m. each day, and operations will end once capacity is reached. Due to time constraints, patients may need to choose either dental or vision services but may also receive general medical care.
Organizers advise arriving as early as possible, particularly for dental care, and note that operations may be adjusted in cases of inclement weather, volunteer shortages, or other unforeseen issues. Sunday will operate on a shortened schedule.
For more information, including how to volunteer or donate, visit ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.
