For the second year in a row, Genesee Valley Central School served as host site for a Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic, providing free medical, vision, and dental care to 239 patients.
Over the two days of the clinic, a host of medical services were provided to the community—including 119 eye exams, 140 prescription glasses made on site, 30 dental cleanings, and 45 dental extractions. Other services included general health exams, women’s health screenings, laboratory work, behavioral health, podiatry, diabetes care, and more.
In addition to the administrative team and core volunteers from RAM, nearly 400 individuals volunteered in a variety of roles, including setup, general support, nursing staff, as well as dental, vision and medical providers. Volunteers came from near and far, including 140 nursing students from Alfred State College, dental students from University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, as well as student volunteers from Penn State, Canisius College, and SUNY College of Optometry in New York City.
“The Remote Area Medical Clinic was an amazing experience,” shared Jonathan Chaffee, “being able to volunteer and see the time and effort that goes into making the clinic happen, and also getting to speak with people who are receiving medical services and hearing how grateful they are for the free care being offered.”
Numerous community organizations, agencies, schools, and churches provided financial assistance, volunteers, and donations of food and supplies to support the clinic. Jones Memorial Hospital, Allegany County Area Foundation, and the Health Foundation of Western and Central NY were the largest financial supporters. All told, over $23,000 in financial donations were received from over 20 organizations.
“When health care needs are not met and people feel unwell, it causes stress in all aspects of their lives,” commented RAM volunteer Nikki Curcio-Medler. “The RAM Clinic provided immediate health care at no cost to our neighbors, family, and friends helping them to focus on improved physical and mental health.”
The 2021 and 2022 RAM clinics held at Genesee Valley provided care for over 500 people, bringing $250,000 in free medical services to the local community.
