Wise VA Expedition largest of it kind in US

The recent RAM Expedition to Wise County, VA in the heart of Appalachia is believed to be the largest free medical event of its kind ever held in the United States. In a two and a half day period from July 20th to July 22nd, a force of 1,377 RAM volunteers accomplished 8,431 patient encounters for a value of free care amounting to $ 1,365,804.00.

I spoke with Ron Brewer at RAM last week and was surprised to learn that state licensing restrictions are the chief impediment preventing them from carrying their mission to other states.

“Licensure is an important issue for volunteers. Tennessee has a law that allows volunteers who are currently licensed to practice their health-care-related profession in another state may volunteer in Tennessee without need for additional licensing.”

Although RAM looks forward to the day when other states adopt similar legislation, RAM expeditions in other states have various licensing requirements.”

You can find out what steps your representatives are taking to allow RAM to help in your state by contacting them. I live in New Hampshire and have spoken with the offices of our state representatives as well as our Senate and Congress electees in Washington, D.C. I will post their responses as they come in.

They are your civil servants – let them know you want this help. You can also see their voting records on health care and other topics at On The Issues.

While I was working on this story I was referred to a most compelling person in the form of Dr. Terry Bennett who has much to say about the state of health care on the U.S. His insights are worth noting.

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“One in seven Americans, including more than 8 million children, does not have even basic healthcare coverage. ”
Dave Reichert

“We need more emphasis on improving our nation’s health care system. Rising health care costs are the central challenge to families and businesses alike. We must work to enact real health care solutions that improve the quality care, that are more affordable and that offer individuals more choices.” – Dave Reichert, January 2008

I spoke with Mr. Brock and was further astounded that there was little corporate sponsorship for this endeavor. PS Engineering is helping with an aging fleet of aircraft and Chili Pepper Racing is spreading the word via the RAM logo on their car as well as the RAM url.

Alstom, Brown Construction Services, FedEx, and Wells Fargo are also helping with support of various kinds.

As I watched the 60 Minutes video, produced by Henry Schuster, I was struck by the amount of equipment needed to carry out this gargantuan task: portable dentist’s chairs and examination tables, sterilized instruments, medical supplies, drugs, and everything one can imagine needed to bring relief to those of us in need.

We want to help !

It costs a great deal to feed these volunteers who are donating their hearts and skills.

We need portable kitchens, drivers, Chefs, and food.

Starting today I will be on the phone looking for people and corporations to fill this order and help Remote Area Medical, Stan Brock, and those wonderful volunteers carry out this much needed mission.

Please help us.

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do” – Helen Keller