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Like many single mothers, Kaleigh has a lot on her plate. While raising her child, she is also working part time and going to school to become a respiratory therapist. Her job does not offer health, vision, or dental insurance benefits. Like nearly half of Remote Area Medical’s (RAM®) patients, Kaleigh is uninsured [data from 2024 RAM Patient questionnaire]. She faced barriers to care that a RAM free healthcare clinic near her could remove.
More than 260 patients received care at RAM’s free healthcare clinic in Terre Haute, Indiana. RAM provided more than $182,000 worth of free dental, vision, and medical care over the course of the weekend. Kaleigh came to the RAM Clinic to get a physical health evaluation that she needed to continue her degree program. Like many who visit RAM’s free healthcare clinics, she left with far more help than she expected.
From a Physical Exam to Free Glasses — All in One Clinic Visit
Not only did she get the physical exam, Kaleigh received a new pair of prescription glasses — free glasses. She saw optometrist Dr. Morgan Strand for a complete eye health exam. Kaleigh arrived to the clinic without glasses and left just hours later with a pair made just for her.
Kaleigh came to the clinic to get the care she needed without having to worry about the cost. RAM’s services help patients by removing the burden of cost. Without insurance, a physical, complete eye examination, and a new pair of glasses could have cost her hundreds of dollars. RAM’s free healthcare clinic removed that financial barrier.
“It’s nice that everything is free,” Kaleigh said. “I’m really excited this popped up.”
Kaleigh also visited the resource tables at the clinic, leaving with a backpack full of school supplies for her child. At RAM’s free healthcare clinics members of the community come together to continue supporting each other beyond the clinic.
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Breaking Down Barriers to Healthcare Access in Indiana
This wasn’t RAM’s first clinic in Indiana. When communities identify a need, they invite RAM to bring free healthcare clinics to their area. RAM Clinics give uninsured and underinsured neighbors access to care they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
In 2023, 7.57% of Indiana’s population was uninsured. In Terre Haute, that number was even higher at 8.95% in 2024 — with surrounding counties seeing similar rates. [Data USA]
Access to healthcare can even be an issue for those with health insurance. For example, Indiana has just one primary care provider for every 1,524 people [Data USA, 2024]. Patients who need a physical examination, face so many barriers to getting the care they need. Barriers like, high costs of care, transportation issues, and even simply not having a doctor nearby. That’s why free healthcare clinics in Indiana make such a difference.
How Patients Hear About RAM’s Free Clinics
Kaleigh heard about RAM’s free clinic through social media posts from local businesses and healthcare clinics. That is why it is so important to us to spread the word on social media. This helps more people find RAM’s free healthcare clinics near them. If you don’t already follow RAM on social media, be sure to give us a follow and share the word!
Help Bring Free Healthcare Clinics to More Communities
For 40 years we have served patients across the country thanks to the financial support from people like you. If you want to make a difference through tax deductible charitable giving, you can help by supporting at www.ramusa.org/donate. We accept donations online, and even donations of stock, so you can choose the way that works best for you. When you donate money to RAM, you bring free healthcare, vision care, and dental care to communities in need. Give today and see the impact your donation money can make.
Volunteer at an Upcoming RAM Clinic
Do you want to get involved with RAM’s free clinics? Whether you’re a healthcare provider or you are a general support volunteer, you can make a direct impact. See upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up today. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming free clinics!
More Stories from RAM’s Free Healthcare Clinics
To hear even more stories from RAM be sure to check out our most recent magazine. Read more about our patient and volunteer stories, updates from RAM Campus Chapters and professional schools, and more.
Our blog is updated weekly — catch up on any posts you may have missed!
Wondering where the next free healthcare clinic will be? Check our schedule for the most up-to-date information on where we’ll be — including our free telehealth clinics.
