1. What are the different volunteer positions we would be in, since we aren’t medically certified? Remote Area Medical appreciates all those who are willing to volunteer at free clinics to promote their mission to provide free, quality healthcare to underserved communities. If you aren't medically certified, you will be able to serve as a General Support volunteer. In this role, you can register patients as they walk in the door, help with traffic flow throughout the clinic, make glasses in RAM’s mobile vision lab, help patients pick out their frames for their glasses, serve food to patients and fellow volunteers, and much more. As you can see, there are many opportunities for those who are not medically certified that include patient interaction.
2. Are there roles for people that are EMT certified? Yes! Individuals that are EMT certified have the ability to volunteer in medical triage and assist with vitals, if needed. An EMT certification is not required to be a RAM volunteer; however, it does create more volunteer opportunities.
3. How many members can volunteer at each clinic? If we are available, is it likely we will be able to volunteer? It depends on each clinic and how many we are approved for, but we aim to take around 20 members per clinic trip. We were able to take 34 UVA students to Grundy, VA, and for the clinic we plan in Fishersville, VA, our general support was mainly made up of RAM chapter members. Chapter members will be selected based on a points system. Each member receives a point for every meeting, fundraising event, and membership events they attend. We’d love to take all of our members so that they may experience the wonders of a RAM clinic; however, we must give priority to those who have demonstrated dedication to our chapter and its goals. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
4. When do we pay dues? What do these go towards? RAM at UVA asks all interested students to pay dues at the beginning of each semester. This contribution goes towards clinic fees as well as funding general membership activities including healthcare-professional panels, speaker series, and guided certification training (i.e. Narcan training and BBP Certification). Most importantly, the additional funding will go towards supporting our chapter’s main endeavor of hosting the next Fishersville clinic in Spring 2024. The leftover money will serve as a donation to this endeavor.
5. When are the general body meetings? The general body meetings are approximately once a month. We will announce this in the emails and on the instagram. If you cannot attend, for most meetings, we record the meetings so that you will still be able to watch them and get points for it! If you are not on the email list, please email us at [email protected] and we can add you!
6. How do we get more involved with clinic planning for Fishersville? We will open applications for spots on the three committees involved in planning for the clinic soon! These committees are the Finance team, Recruitment team, and Hospitality and Promotions team. All of the members on the teams are essential to the success of the clinic!