Brock’s spirit endures as RAM prepares for free Knoxville Clinic

By Mike Steely

steelym@knoxfocus.com

Stan Brock, founder of Remote Area Medical, passed away last August but his spirit will be with the organization as they prepare for the 1,000th medical clinic. Held at Chilhowee Park’s Jacob building at 3301 East Magnolia Avenue over three days from February 1st to February 3rd, the non-profit provider will deliver free, high-quality medical, dental, and vision services including eyeglasses made on site, women’s health exams and general medical exams.

Patients for the Knoxville RAM clinic may be able to register their unaltered household pets for free spay and neuter surgery as well as vaccinations, city dog tags, and microchipping. The pets should not be taken to the clinic.

RAM will open patient parking through Gate One no later than 12 midnight on the first day of the event and ticket distribution usually begins about 3 a.m. The process repeats on Saturday and Sunday, February 2 and 3. Patients are being urged to arrive early, especially those seeking dental service.

The city of Knoxville has 26.5% of the population at or below the national poverty rate of 12.5%. Nearly one in six people under the age of 65 lack health insurance coverage. RAM expects about 1,000 people from Knoxville and surrounding communities to seek medical service.

“We are so excited to hold our 1,000th expedition, offering free dental, vision, medical and veterinary care right here where it first started in 1985,” said RAM CEO Jeff Eastman.

For information about volunteering, especially for medical professionals, you may call (865)579-1530.

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