Medical clinic in Dallas will offer free care to hundreds: What you need to know
Hundreds of North Texans will be able to get free medical, vision, and dental care in December thanks to the return of the Remote Area Medical traveling clinic.
Established in 1985, Remote Area Medical is a nonprofit that travels throughout the U.S. and the world providing free care to people in need. In the U.S., the clinic has become best known for attracting hundreds or thousands of people at each clinic location, where people without health insurance or who can’t afford their health insurance co-payments flock to receive basic care.
The RAM clinic will be in Dallas Dec. 3-4 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St. This is the second year in a row for the RAM clinic to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Last year, more than 400 people received care when the clinic was in north Fort Worth. Organizers expect the Dallas location to be able to serve more people this year because the convention center is accessible via public transportation.
RAM is partnering with the University of North Texas Health Science Center for its Dallas clinic. HSC students will join other volunteers to staff the clinic.
Adults and children of all ages can attend the clinic. No identification, proof of insurance or proof of residency paperwork is required to receive care, said Audra Fitzgerald, senior clinic coordinator for RAM. On both Dec. 3 and 4, the clinic will open at 6 a.m. and will continue treating patients until all providers are at capacity.
Fitzgerald said she recommended lining up before the clinic opens if you are in need of dental care. All care is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Dental is probably our most requested service,” Fitzgerald said.
The patient parking lot will open by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 2. If you decide to line up overnight, Fitzgerald recommended bringing enough food, water, and medication to last you the night, as well as additional seating and coats or blankets to keep you warm. Portable bathrooms will be available.
All patients can receive medical care, but patients must choose between either dental or vision care. The dental care available includes dental cleanings, fillings, extractions and x-rays. Vision care includes eye exams, glaucoma testing and prescription eyeglasses that are made on site.
