- 6/25/2010
Highlands CCU nurses assisted with the RAM event. Pictured left to right: Tammy Caudill, RN; Leah Combs, RN; and Rebecca Bentley, RN.
Several departments from Highlands Regional Medical Center, including Support Care, Lab, Cath Lab, Food Service, CCU Nursing, Emergency Department and Community Development, took time to volunteer at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic. The RAM Clinic was held at Pike County Central High School on June 19th and 20th. Volunteers provided general medical, dental and eye care services to over 1000 people who were uninsured, underinsured, unemployed, or could not afford healthcare in our community.
Close to 60% of the RAM Clinic expeditions serve rural America. Remote Area Medical® was founded by Stan Brock, who spent 15 years with the Wapishana Indians. While there, he witnessed the near devastation of whole tribes by what would have been simple or minor illnesses to more advanced cultures. When he left South America to co-star in the television series, Wild Kingdom, Stan vowed to find a way to deliver basic medical aid to people in the world's inaccessible regions.
“RAM is a great experience. This event helped many in our community and to see all of these volunteers come together from different parts of the country to help Eastern Kentucky people was inspiring,” commented Melissa Vance, Highlands Director of Community Development. Melissa was instrumental in coordinating the event activities and volunteers. Melissa, along with Eric Fleming, Highlands Director of Food Service, are active members of the Kentucky RAM Board.
RAM is just one of many events that Highlands supports in an effort to add value to the community.