The WKU Student Rural Health Association, in partnership with Remote Area Medical  (RAM®), hosted a free, two-day clinic on August 26 and 27. RAM is a nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need. The WKU Student Rural Health Association is affiliated with the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at WKU.

Services provided included dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental x-rays, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women’s health exams, and general medical exams. 194 patients were seen at the clinic. This equates to $84,257 of services provided.

All services were provided for free on a first-come, first-served basis. 251 volunteers assisted in various roles including providing patient care and triage services, patient registration and check-out, set-up and clean-up.

Volunteers included members of the WKU Student Rural Health Association, Hilltopper Army ROTC Battalion, WKU Dental Hygiene Program, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Room in the Inn, HOTEL INC, CAREUSTZ, and additional WKU students, faculty and staff.

Hannah Kay Shapiro, Community Host Group volunteer, said, “It has been extremely fulfilling to see this idea come to fruition and touch the lives of many others. I am grateful for the mission of RAM and that together we were to alleviate pain and suffering in Bowling Green, KY by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need.”

The clinic took place at the Bowling Green Independent School District’s Bowling Green Learning Center located on Old Morgantown Road.

Clinic sponsors included the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, the Kentucky Rural Health Association, Panera Bread of Bowling Green, Corner Bakery of Bowling Green, GC4 Enterprises, McDonalds of Bowling Green, WKU Student Government Association, WellCare, and CAREUSTZ. 

For more information contact Emily at emily.pride@wku.edu.