Free Healthcare 4/27 - 5/3: Remote Area Medical Los Angeles 2010

Remote Area Medical was in Inglewood last year-- and they'll be back in Los Angeles April 27-May 3! Free vision, dental, & medical exams at LA Sports Arena. For the RAM LA website, click here.

Please let any health professionals you may know that they are looking for volunteers!

Press release:

On April 27 – May 3, 2010, Remote Area Medical (RAM) will provide free

medical, dental and vision care to thousands of needy individuals in the Los

Angeles area. The free clinic will be held at Los Angeles Sports Arena

located at 3939 North Figueroa Street , near USC.  1,200 people a day will

be treated—possibly more depending on the final number of volunteers and

participating organizations. The event is planned and operated by Remote

Area Medical, a Volunteer 501(c)(3) charity providing free care to

uninsured, underinsured, and indigent Individuals throughout the United

States.  For more information visit:

Free care will be provided to anyone who needs it, without cost of any kind

to the patient, the taxpayer or the government. There is no income test, no

insurance requirement, and no restriction of any kind. Medical and

non-medical personnel will all be volunteers; supplies and equipment will be

donated or provided by RAM. There will be at least 100 dental stations, 45

medical exam rooms, 25 eye exam stations. Dentistry will include cleanings,

extractions, fillings, restorative procedures and root canals. Prescription

eye glasses will be ground and fitted on-site. Minor dermatological and

other medical procedures will be performed. Pediatricians and pediatric

dentists will be present. Follow-up care will be arranged for those who need

it, with most referrals to private sector practices and facilities.

There will be a strong emphasis on education, prevention and self-care.

Mammography, pap smears, chest x-rays, and diabetes screening, blood

pressure screening, and other services will be provided. Healthcare

foundations and agencies will also distribute patient education materials.

RAM/LA is a large undertaking, on a scale to make a significant difference

in this time of great and urgent need. Success is achieved through medical

and non-medical volunteers, local healthcare organizations, equipment and

supply donors, and others who contribute their time, talents and resources.

"Life Line" by Bambu feat. The Fighting Cocks // Reform Healthcare!

Someone needs to play this song on the floor of the House today. 

"Life Line" - Bambu feat. The Fighting Cocks



This isn't some ploy to lobby for health care reform; this is a true story. The story was lived and the song was written long before Obama took office and long before the current debate.


The opening lyrics of "Life Line":


I been waitin' in this line
'scuse me sir
do you have the time?
'cause i been here for a long, long while
and I'm sure we'll never be seen soon


Rest in peace Arnold Moreno
your brothers in Echo remember your smile
And never forget the reason you gone
And you not standin' here with us now--


See the homie went down
The ambulance came
and handled that fool (?) like a rag
from one emergency room to another he went--
insurance, he did not have

He was hurt, but nurse 
could not do work
until she knew she was paid--
Is the nurse or the system 
the reason no breathin' is comin' from Arnold today?


Play songs for those
who know what it's like
to sign up for county aid
From LA to Bay to the A to the Chi to the boroughs of NYC


We all the same
bleed the same
treated the same
all in the name of a Jesus
who seems to like the people
with ch-change

...


People die because of our current healthcare policies. This bill isn't perfect, but we have to start doing something. People have died. People are dying. People will keep dying before they have to, because our government decides to do nothing. Those of us who can't afford healthcare-- our numbers are growing with every single month that passes in these harsh economic times-- will die. Something has to be done. Now.

In all honesty, I think a major shift in the way we think about health care needs to happen in this country, and working within the current system can only go so far, but we have to keep moving in a positive direction. Let not the perfect be enemy of the good.

Free Healthcare Aug. 11-18 in Inglewood!

Anyone uninsured and interested in attaining some medical, dental, or vision care may want to know about RAM LA 2009:

The Forum
3900 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
Registration begins at 5:30AM daily

Taken from the RAM website:

The Remote Area Medical® (RAM) Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world.

The LA Forum website had more details about the event:

Our parking lot will open at 3:30AM and registration begins at 5:30AM daily. Services will be offered on a first-come first-served basis each day so please arrive early if you would like to be seen. Registration numbers will be handed out at 3:30AM when we open the parking lot. If you are being dropped off or if you are walking to The Forum we will also have a table where you can walk up and receive a registration number.
...
You may also call their line at The Forum @ 310-330-7310.

Please spread the word, not only to those who might want to get care, but to any medical professionals who may be able to volunteer. Information about volunteering is also on RAM LA 2009.

With the 3:30AM start time, it looks like they are (prudently) expecting a massive number of people. If your healthcare needs are not immediate but you are in need of assistance, LA County Helps might offer a suitable program.