What is RAM?

Remote Area Medical (RAM) is a non-profit organization that works with local community leaders to host free pop-up clinics in medically underserved rural areas. In the more significant part of Georgia, there are many remote areas, precisely 89 of Georgia’s 159 counties designated Primary Care Shortage Areas, with a lack of access to healthcare resources. An overwhelming 41% of Georgia’s rural hospitals are overburdened and at high risk of closure. RAM clinics over the last year collectively provided treatment to 45,000 patients, totaling 15 million dollars in medical treatments. By providing free and publicly accessible medical clinics, RAM improves healthcare options for thousands of individuals. RAM Emory members are committed to increasing student awareness of rural health disparities and acting to alleviate them.

Emory RAM’s Impact

Emory RAM is a student-led chapter of the national RAM organization. Emory RAM’s operation began in 2019, with our most recent clinics conducted in Louisville, Georgia, in September of 2021 and most recently in September of 2023. 

In 2021, we were able to recruit 60 healthcare providers and serve 219 patients. Overall, we provided $120,297 worth of free healthcare services! The majority of the general support volunteers were composed of Emory student volunteers. Students handled patient registration, worked as patient guides, managed parking lots, acted as translators, performed as medical or dental assistants, and even made eyeglasses. Our work does not end at our clinic, as we volunteer at other RAM clinics in neighboring states yearly. We hope to continue to grow these initiatives and serve our communities, but we need your support!

The Impact of Your Gift

Emory RAM is planning its next clinic, which will take place in the spring semester of 2025. With this clinic, Emory RAM aims to treat approximately 400 patients and provide over $200,000 worth of medical treatments at no cost to the patients. The past two clinics have been a success, and we are excited to expand and hopefully serve more patients with your help! While healthcare professionals and volunteers will be recruited and medical machinery, such as x-ray machines & optometry phoropters, will be provided by the national RAM organization, funding at this level will allow us to cover the costs of remaining clinic supplies. 

With your support, we will be closer to providing Georgians with the critical care needed. Gifts of all amounts and at any level will mitigate the costs associated with running a free clinic significantly! We cannot thank you enough for making our efforts and service possible through your generosity and joining us as we work towards a healthier future for these often-ignored communities.

A gift to this project is a donation to this organization’s general fund. While the group has stated their needs for funding, their leadership may use funds raised for any purpose consistent with their registered student organization mission at Emory.