More than 1,500 people turned out in the wee hours this morning, each hoping for a chance to receive free medical and dental care at the 11th annual Remote Area Medical health clinic.
Some camped overnight to get tickets with low numbers, which mean a shorter wait. Around 6 a.m., people were turned away at the gate and asked to return Saturday.
Still, the day seemed to unfold smoothly, as each station -- dental, eye, general medical and an array of other medical services including mammograms and visits with a chiropractor -- was set up and ready to go by 7 a.m.
“It's gone unbelievably smooth," said Theresa Gardner, executive director of the Health Wagon, the clinic that spearheads the Wise RAM clinic. “It's a testament to the quality of our volunteers."
Many of those seeking free care said they were there for dental work.
“I'm disabled with Social Security and you don't have dental with it," said Georgeann Wampler, of Dryden, Va. “And you want to keep your teeth as long as you can."
Wampler was at RAM for the second year to get her teeth cleaned and examined.
RAM continues until about 6 tonight and reopens Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m.
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