Remote Area Medical Bus brings free telehealth to Athens

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) — For many across the Tennessee Valley, healthcare is something that seems completely inaccessible. It could be because of their financial status or because they’re simply afraid to see a doctor.

The Remote Area Medal bus, stationed in Athens TN seeks to fill that gap. Medical care workers volunteer their time and expertise to help the community.

Stephen Blackstock, Telehealth Manager told us, “RAM’s mission is to provide access to medical care and so what were we able to do by teaming up with table graces and the church is we can be right here in this parking lot first come first serve and I can just drive by see the opportunity pop in and get the free care there’s no there’s no requirements there’s no insurance requirement. There’s no proof of citizenship. Nothing you just show up and receive the care so we’re providing access for people on the way to work on the way to school on the way to their lunch break whatever the situation might be we’re here to provide the access.”

One common thread we saw while talking to the volunteers was a joy and excitement to serve.

Volunteer nurse Erin Gray told us, “This is actually my first time volunteering with this organization, so I am super excited about that. I am a former children’s ER nurse at Erlanger, and currently a vascular nurse. One of my coworkers actually introduced me to this opportunity, so I’m going to continue with the company as much as I can.”

The RAM Bus is available two Wednesdays a month at Market Square Pavilion in Athens.

Dr. Eric Weiner, Telehealth Doctor told us, “Whether they’ve lost their insurance, whether they can’t afford medical care for whatever reason. RAm provides the opportunity to people in distress to get medical care and we physicians are lucky enough to get to take care of them for free.”

You can find more information, including future bus locations at ramusa.org.