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Max, a 17-year-old high school student, has faced incredible challenges. He was living alone after losing his father a year ago; his mother left when he was five years old. He was working long hours at a supermarket to pay rent and attend school. Finding a free healthcare clinic in Jamestown, NY helped relieve some of the challenges Max was facing.
Max’s high school guidance counselor heard about a free Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic in Jamestown, New York. She encouraged him to go for his medical, dental, and vision needs. “I thought it was a scam,” he said. “I figured they were going to sell me a timeshare.” Max was skeptical but decided to take a chance, riding his bike to the clinic on Saturday.
Max’s day at the clinic began in vision services where he received an eye exam and new glasses. In the medical area, he shared about having a painful ingrown toenail.
After hearing his story, Colleen Madigan, a Medical Supervisor in RAM’s CORE Volunteer Leadership program, said, “As a nurse, my job is to advocate for my patients.” She worked with the team to ensure Max received the care he needed. A volunteer physician performed the necessary procedure on his toe and prescribed antibiotics. The Community Host Group (CHG) graciously covered the cost of the antibiotics.
Experiencing RAM Compassion for the First Time at the Free Healthcare Clinic
“I was nervous at first, but it was a great experience. Everyone was so patient. They had smiles on their face[s] and they were happy to be here,” Max shared. “Nobody tried to sell me a timeshare.”
Max was also in need of dental care including removing braces he had worn since middle school. A long-time RAM volunteer dentist, Dr. Michael Seitz, examined Max and agreed to remove them. Throughout the day, word of Max’s situation spread among RAM volunteers, and everyone pitched in to help him. As Colleen said, “No one person is responsible, but many people working together made it happen.”
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Volunteers even drove Max home, and the next morning, they picked him up to bring him back for further care for additional dental work. In addition to the services he received, Max was given some peace of mind as well. “They said I had strong teeth, so that was good to hear.”
Also good to hear, Max has been placed in a residential, supportive housing program for youth, ages 16-21. After graduation, he is considering enlisting in the armed forces or attending Jamestown Community College (JCC). If he chooses to attend JCC, Paula Snyder, Executive Director of the Cattaraugus County Campus and part of the Jamestown Clinic CHG, is there to support him.
“We are working with the guidance counselor in the high school Maximus attends now and referring her to our admissions team to see what we can do to help him in transitioning to coming to school at JCC and what aid we can gather for him to do this with as little cost as possible, if any,” Paula explained. Additionally, a representative from Fidelis Care arranged for Max to receive free health insurance.
It Takes a Village
By the time Max left the clinic, he had received a flu shot, dental care, new glasses, and a promise of a brighter future. Volunteers sent him home with food, clinic T-shirts, and the assurance they would support him at his high school graduation.
“I tried to thank everyone I dealt with and in between,” Max said. “I know these people have been here today and yesterday, early in the morning – earlier than I got here, and they were here after. I appreciate everyone here!”
Max’s story represents the heart of our mission: to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare. Through the efforts of countless volunteers, Max experienced life-changing support; showing that it truly takes a village to make a difference.
If you would like to donate to help RAM continue providing care to patients like Max, please visit https://www.ramusa.org/donate/
Volunteer to help patients like Max at one of RAM’s free healthcare clinics. Please visit www.ramusa.org/volunteer/
To read about more of RAM’s patients and volunteers, and much more, check out our blog!
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