GWU’s College of Health Sciences Partners with Remote Area Medical to Bring Free Health Services to Community

Volunteer Doctors, Dentists, Vision Professionals, and General Support Staff are Needed to Serve on Sept. 22-24

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After volunteering with a nonprofit that brings free medical care to people in need, Gardner-Webb University senior biology major, Marissa DiMatteo, knew the organization could help many people in the Shelby/Boiling Springs area. “I saw the relief it brought to the communities, and I was told about the opportunity to bring them to my community, so I filled out their form,” related Dimatteo, who is president of the Pre-Health Society. “I brought the idea to Dr. (Nicole) Waters, who helped me achieve this.”  

Remote Area Medical (RAM), based in Rockford, Tenn., is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. With the help of medical and non-medical volunteers from the community, the organization delivers free dental, vision and medical services to underserved and uninsured individuals. In 2022, RAM volunteers served nearly 22,000 individuals with a value of care worth more than $7.9 million.  

In order to serve a community, the organization must be invited. After hearing about DiMatteo’s enthusiasm and learning more about the services, Waters issued the invitation through the Gardner-Webb College of Health Sciences. “The College of Health Sciences is glad to work with RAM to bring this important care to our community,” affirmed Waters, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “There is a lot of need, so we look forward to seeing people come out to receive these free services.”   

The clinic will be on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, at Mt. Calvary Community Life Center, 1205 Northside Drive, Shelby, N.C. Dental cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dental X-rays, eye exams, eye health screenings, eyeglass prescriptions, on-site eyeglasses, women’s health exams, and general medical exams will be available. Doors open at 6 a.m. Services are provided throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID is required. Interested participants may begin lining up on Friday, Sept. 22, at 11:59 p.m.  

Volunteers are needed to serve in all areas. Doctors, dentists, vision professionals, and general support staff are needed to offer the healthcare services, and other volunteers are needed to help with operations. Individuals can set up on Sept. 22 and take down on Sept. 24; serve as overnight parking staff to greet patients; and interpreters to help patients through the process.

Founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, RAM has partnered with over 196,000 volunteers—comprised of professional practitioners, as well as general support staff—to treat more than 900,000 individuals delivering more than $189.5 million worth of free healthcare services.  

To volunteer, go to ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.  

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.