Volunteers needed for free medical, dental and eye clinic in Lehigh Valley this fall

Remote Area Medical is looking for volunteers to participate in its second pop-up clinic in the Lehigh Valley.

A RAM clinic with free dental, vision and medical services is planned for Oct. 19-20 at Executive Education Academy Charter School, 555 Union Blvd., Allentown, near Coca-Cola Park. RAM is seeking volunteers to staff this clinic.

Founded in 1985 to provide free medical care in remote areas of developing countries, about 95% of RAM clinics now are held domestically. The first RAM clinic in the Lehigh Valley was held in August 2023 in Allentown and it was a success, according to organizers — nearly 200 volunteers participated, treating 245 patients and providing an estimated $90,498 worth of care.

At that clinic, medical services available included those offered at most urgent cares. General medical exams were part of this, but so were women’s health exams and diabetic foot care. Some lab work also was available including HCG tests, cholesterol tests and A1C blood glucose tests.

Eye care services available during the last clinic included basic eye exams and eye health exams. Eyeglasses were also prescribed and made on-site. Dental services offered to patients last year included cleanings, fillings, extractions and dental X-ray work.

Volunteers who will provide general support with tasks such as record keeping, checking patients in and directing patients and other duties are also needed. Volunteers can register on RAM’s website, ramusa.org and should make sure to select  “Allentown, PA 2024: Allentown, Pennsylvania” as the event they are volunteering for.