April 15, 2025
Big Rapids, Michigan –
Free healthcare services will be offered at Ferris State University on May 31st and June 1st through a partnership with Remote Area Medical, creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while acquiring the services they need.
RAM is a national nonprofit organization that serves people in need with quality medical care. Through generous donations and volunteer support, the university and RAM can bring free medical, dental and vision care clinics to Big Rapids.
The event is Michigan's first clinic and is expected to attract more than 400 patients from both local and statewide.
The clinic is open to adults or children on a first come first served basis. No ID or insurance proof is required. The door opens at 6am, and it is recommended that those seeking care arrive early. Translators are available to patients who do not use English as their primary language.
The event is planned at 210 Sports Drive, Ewigleben Sports Complex, County Ferris. Ferris State College of Health and Vocational Studies, Michigan State Optometry University, Pharmacy College, and some of the other fields work and provide care with experts and volunteers from across the region.
RAM is a Tennessee-based organization that can bridge gaps in the American health system by providing free health services to those in need. Using large mobile clinics across the country, RAM partners with local organizations like the state of Ferris to provide quality care to uninsured individuals who have no access to or are not receiving services that can't afford medical, dental or vision care.
Since 1985, more than 977,000 people across the country have been receiving this free care.
Michigan's medical needs are authentic, said Becky Johnson Himez, an associate professor at the Ferris School of Nursing. She leads her efforts with nursing professor Stephanie Gustman.
Mecosta County, where the clinic is held, and the adjacent counties Claire, Isabella, Lake, Montcalm, New Eigo and Osceola are designated as areas with limited access to specialized medical and dental care.
Lake, Isabella, Claire and Mecosta are also among Michigan's top eight poverty-stricken counties, according to the National Institute on Health and Health Disparities in Minority.
For many, the only way to access this important care is through the clinic.
“We believe this clinic will be a great opportunity for our community and healthcare partners to work together to improve the health of our communities,” Johnson Himes said.
Free healthcare services provided include laboratory work such as physical, cholesterol, diabetes, chemistry, and blood lead testing. However, the scope of services depends on local providers who can volunteer their time and skills to meet patients.
Patients can undergo dental treatments such as washing, filling, extraction, and x-rays. Vision care includes eye tests, glasses prescriptions, and glasses made on-site at Mobile Vision Labs.
Many Ferris State nursing, dental, optometrist and pharmacy student volunteers work with healthcare professionals to serve patients in their research fields. Students across campus are invited to volunteer for other support throughout the event.
“Ferris nursing students traveled to other states to actually attend RAM events and provided care to those in need,” Johnson Himes said. “Participating in these clinics has had a major impact on students and has led them to advocate for RAM clinics held at Ferris and serving the surrounding community. We look forward to improving the health of our community alongside RAM and all the volunteers.”
Volunteer providers include primary and specialists, registered nurses, nurse technicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, PH blood, dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, oral surgeons, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and more.
People can register as volunteers at this link.
Organizers are also looking for general service volunteers who will efficiently run the clinic, such as parking assistance, patient registration, setup, tearing, meal service, and escort patients from one service to the next.
In addition to the clinic, human services organizations are on-site to share community resources throughout the event. Community Resources encourage you to register and share information about the event.
