Unicoi RAM Clinic Offers ‘First Come, First Served’ Health Services

“It’s a first come first serve basis so we can only see so many patients over the two day period Saturday and Sunday, “ said Unicoi County Health Department Director Steve Tipton. “So once we’ve seen the limit we just have to stop.“

Unicoi County Health officials hope they can help as many people as possibly this weekend. They are hosting a Remote Area Medical or “RAM” Clinic at the Limestone Cove Community Center and Volunteer Fire Department.

The Limestone Cove Expedition will offer vision, dental and medical at Limestone Cove Community Center September 20-21. Doors open both days at 6a.m. Those needing medical care are encouraged to arrive early as patients will be seen on a first come, ‘first served’ basis.

Vision and dental are the biggest pushes from the clinic. Hypertension, heart disease and stroke are all hot-button health issues across southern Appalachia.

RAM officials approached Unicoi County authorities about bring the services to northeast Tennessee. This is the first time in Unicoi County, although there have been clinics in Mountain City, and Wise County, VA.

Back in July, doctors and nurses treated more than 2,500 patients at the RAM clinic in Wise, Virginia. Many of those traveled from Tennessee and other surrounding states for treatment. Organizers told us they had to turn away hundreds of patients because of the record turnout.

Five hundred to 800 people are expected to come out for this weekend’s clinic. Organizers say it’s going to be a fasted pace, move through the clinic operation.

“A lot of people don’t have the resources to get the care that they need so this is a great opportunity to for us to provide something free so people don’t have to make the choice of seek medical care of buy groceries,“ said Tipton.

The RAM clinic will offer dental cleanings, fillings and extractions. They will also see vision patients for complete eye exams and prescription glasses. Medical exams and diabetes screenings will also be offered.

The RAM clinic is open to children and adults from across the Tri-Cities area.

Officials say you don’t have to show proof of insurance or financial need, just show up early.

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Remote Area Medical - “RAM” Clinic
Limestone Cove Expedition

DIRECTIONS:
Limestone Cove Community Center
4220 Simerly Creek Road
Unicoi, TN 37692
Click the following link for Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4220+simerly+road,+unicoi+tn+37692&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=88.65234,100.722656&ie=UTF8&s=AARTsJrX2DA0Ybz1OBYA7egAs08V9JIUYA&view=map&ll=36.181428,-82.261677&spn=0.008902,0.013733&z=16&iwloc=addr
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