On March 2, 2008, CBS NEWS ran a 13 minute length segment about RAM on their award winning television program 60 MINUTES. CBS plans to run that program again on Sunday, July 20, 2008. One newspaper writer called the RAM segment, “This March second 60 MINUTES report will probably go down in media history as one of the most important and moving stories ever produced in television journalism.” It certainly was the most important report about the inequalities of health care in the United States to appear in recent years.

The public reaction to the story has produced tens of thousands of letters and many contributions to the RAM program in America. We have been overwhelmed by your outpouring of support and generosity. Some explanation and apologies are necessary for many of you may not have heard from us. Our small staff has been

unable to reply to all of your contacts and gifts individually, but we are doing our best to do so. Although the 60 MINUTES program focused on RAM’s free medical expeditions among the poor utilizing hundreds of volunteers, we actually run the organization with a small, minimally compensated staff working extremely long hours. They are assisted by two or three of us, including myself, who receive no compensation, some of us working seven days a week in a former school building constructed in 1929. During the hectic activity of running the RAM organization, we must of course continue regular expeditions to treat those members of the public who so desperately need our services.

So for those of you kind folks who have not yet heard from us, we beg your understanding. We are awed by your expressions of gratitude and encouragement from across the Nation and we pledge ourselves to continue the struggle. On April 15, 2008, I was asked to appear before the House Ways and Means Committee on Health Care in Washington, D. C., and render my opinion on what needs to be done to improve access to medical services for poorer Americans. My remarks are part of the Congressional Record. With the help of concerned citizens like you, REMOTE AREA MEDICAL® will continue to expand our free programs until every American is assured access to the help their families need.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

Stan Brock
Founder and Volunteer Director of Operations, RAM