AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) – The UVA chapter of Remote Area Medical began its weekend clinic at the Augusta Expo Center on Saturday, March 21, offering free vision, dental, and medical services to those who arrived on a first-come, first-served basis.
“It’s just incredible, and we’re able to really address needs of individuals who really need this support,” said Dr. Jen Canter, a pediatrician and RAM volunteer.
Dr. Canter and her son Jack have volunteered with Remote Area Medical for years, working to connect people with the care they need.
“These surrounding communities have, you know, a wide variety of barriers to care, lack of health insurance, lack of access to specialists and providers,” said Taylor Krafchick, community host co-lead with RAM at UVA. “This clinic really kind of brings that access to them.”
During the two-day clinic, medical services are offered with no ID, insurance, or payment required, as healthcare providers work to address patients’ needs free of charge.
“This is grassroots public health,” Dr. Carter said. “UVA is a school with an incredibly strong public health approach to their major. It’s an incredible way to actually show how it really works.”
Ria Raval, community host co-lead for UVA RAM, said the clinic works to give people the tools and resources to continue their care outside of the clinic.
“We have all types of partners that we can’t thank enough for providing patients with resources not just for today but for the future,” Raval said. “I think it means a lot to us knowing that, you know, we’re not making a temporary impact. It’s just more of a long-lasting one.”
Jack Canter, special projects lead for UVA’s RAM Fishersville Clinic, said the service is a meaningful one — as volunteers work to change people’s lives and uplift the community.
“That face-to-face aspect is just super meaningful to me,” Canter said. “They come here even in the night sometimes — which is pretty sad, but it’s super meaningful. They can leave with a smile on their face. That’s the purpose for me, just seeing them leave with a smile on their face.”
UVA’s Remote Area Medical Clinic at the Augusta Expo Center in Fishersville runs until March 22. Free health services are available for those who arrive on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find more information here.
“It really warms my heart to be able to provide so many resources and put together something that’s so special to the Stanton, Augusta, Waynesboro community,” Raval said.
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