Remote clinic benefits many in area
On behalf of the entire community-led Steering Committee for the first Remote Area Medical (RAM) event held in Chautauqua County at Jamestown Community College’s Jamestown campus; we extend our sincere gratitude to our community for the tremendous support that made this clinic a resounding success!
As a result of the generosity of donated funds, time, and talent, the clinic was able to serve 249 adults and children of all ages, providing 409 medical, dental, and vision services with a value of care of $205,000. Many of these patients had been waiting years for eyeglasses, care for serious dental problems, and treatment for medical conditions.
Many were linked to ongoing care providers, health insurance, and other needed community resources to improve the quality of their lives and our community. All were welcomed and treated with respect and empathy, receiving professional care without judgment, questions or any fees for any services.
We will never be able to adequately thank donors for their support. The leadership of JCC fully embraced the roles and responsibilities of the college as the RAM Community Host Group, ensuring its successful operation. The generous monetary donations received not only made this clinic possible but secured the future for another RAM clinic in Jamestown. So many professionals and support volunteers, local and from throughout New York State and other areas of the country, donated their time and expertise, working side by side for 15-hour days. So many businesses and organizations provided food, lodging, and other needed volunteer and patient support.
The stories of our patients, filled with gratitude for the life-changing care received, can be very emotional for the volunteers and clinic organizers. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
From all of us to the Jamestown and Chautauqua County community members, leaders, and volunteers — thank you for your service to others through the support of the RAM clinic.
We are honored to have served as co-chairs of the RAM Steering Committee.
Christine Schuyler is Healthcare Initiatives Program Director and Paula Snyder, RN, is executive director at Jamestown Community College.