Remote Area Medical returns to Butler for 2-day event
Nonprofit Remote Area Medical is gearing up to host a free, two-day medical clinic in Butler on Nov. 8 and 9.
The clinic will be held at Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road, with about 50 doctors specializing in medical, dental and vision care.
David Morales, a clinic coordinator with Remote Area Medical, said the school’s parking lot will open at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 7, with doors opening at 6 a.m. on Nov. 8 and 9.
“There is no definitive end time, but typically we finish between 5 and 6 p.m. on Saturday and between 1 and 2 p.m. on Sunday,” Morales said. “However, we typically hit our capacity well in advance of those times, sometimes as early as 7 a.m., so I would advise that patients get there as early as possible.”
No insurance or ID is required, and the clinic is open to anyone in need.
Dental services include cleanings, fillings, and extractions, while vision services include eye exams in which patients will receive a prescription and glasses, as well as getting their eye health examined.
For medical, Remote Area Medical will provide general exams, women's health exams, as well as sit/stand assessments.
“Beyond these services, there will be a large number of community resources available for patients as well providing information on health care and other resources in the community,” Morales said.
Remote Area Medical anticipates to help more than 300 people during the two-day event, and Morales’ advice is to come as early as possible and to be prepared to wait awhile.
“Sometimes, patients have to wait all day,” Morales said. “They should bring their medicines and take them as they usually would.”
Remote Area Medical last did an event like this in Butler in November of 2023. Morales is not certain when the event will return, but is confident it will, eventually.
“These events are important for communities like Butler because it is essential for people to have access to the care they need,” Morales said. “Whether it is lack of appointments, or insurance issues, there can be many reasons why people are left without access to health care. We try to address this need by running these clinics and providing free, quality health care to communities all around the country.”
More information about the event can be found at www.ramusa.org/events/butler-pa-2/.
