Seven Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing students offered triage services to those in need during a Remote Area Medical (RAM) community health clinic held May 2-4 at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis. The seven senior nursing students are members of the RAM Volunteer Corps, along with Caitlin Phelan, instructor of nursing.
RAM is a non-profit, volunteer organization that offers free health, dental and eye care; veterinary services; and technical and educational assistance to people in underserved areas of the world. Founded in 1985, this volunteer program is designed to address health care issues in communities and to see those communities transformed into healthier places to live.
“It is important that we prepare our nursing students to care for patients from underserved populations as more and more American citizens are gaining access to health care under the Affordable Care Act,” said Phelan. “This RAM event is an annual opportunity for SIUE students and faculty to serve their neighboring community.”
Students assisting Phelan included: Whitney Smith, Seth Gregory, Kelcie King, Michelle Piro, Teresa Tucker, Cara Holzaepfel and Lamat Omar.
RAM’s founder, Stan Brock, was in attendance along with East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks, Jr.
Photo (L-R): SIUE School of Nursing instructor Caitlin Phelan with nursing students Whitney Smith, Seth Gregory, Kelcie King, Michelle Piro, Teresa Tucker, Cara Holzaepfel and Lamat Omar.