Free dental, vision and medical set for June 24-25; Volunteers Needed

EMPORIA, Va. (May 25, 2023) – Remote Area Medical – RAM® – a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need – will hold a free, two-day clinic on June 24-25. RAM will be set up at Greensville County High School, located at 403 Harding Street, Emporia, VA 23847, for two days only.
All RAM services are free, and no ID is required. Free dental, vision and medical services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The patient parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. (midnight) on Friday night, June 23, and remain open for the duration of the clinic. Once in the parking lot, additional information regarding clinic-opening processes and next steps will be provided. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m.
Due to time constraints, patients should be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services. Medical services are offered, in addition to dental or vision services, free to every patient attending the clinic. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530. Patients may also visit the Facebook Event for this clinic at https://fb.me/e/11LYOmFuR
RAM is also still in need of volunteers for the Emporia clinic. RAM is seeking volunteer medical, dental and vision professionals to help provide services to individuals in need. If you or your organization would like to volunteer your time to help provide free healthcare services to the Emporia, Va. and surrounding communities, please visit our website at www.ramusa.org or call us at 865-579-1530.
Services available at the free RAM clinic include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental X-rays, eye exams, eye health exams, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women's health exams and general medical exams. A1C testing, labs (CBC, CMP and Lipids), FIT kits, Narcan training, COVID vaccines and childhood immunizations will also be available.
In some situations outside of RAM’s control, such as inclement weather, volunteer cancellations or other circumstances, the parking lot may open earlier or a smaller number of patients may be served. RAM encourages everyone who would like services, especially dental services, to arrive as early as possible. Clinic closing time may vary based on each service area’s daily capacity. For more information, please see RAM’s FAQ page.
Additional Information:
• About Remote Area Medical: RAM is a major nonprofit organization that operates pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical services to individuals in need who do not have access to, or cannot afford, a doctor. Founded in 1985, RAM has treated more than 910,000 individuals with $189.5 million worth of free healthcare and veterinary services. Since its foundation, more than 196,000 volunteers – comprised of licensed dental, vision, medical and veterinary professionals, as well as general support staff – have supported RAM’s mission.

RICHMOND, VA- The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced a harvest of 24,447 turkeys during the 2023 spring turkey season (Figure 1). This represents the highest spring turkey harvest ever recorded in Virginia. The previous record was 20,580 set during the 2015 spring hunting season. Ryan Brown, DWR Executive Director, stated "Turkey populations remain healthy and abundant across most of Virginia, enabling hunters to enjoy a record-setting spring turkey season." 

DWR biologists anticipated the spring turkey harvest would increase during the 2023 season as indicated by above average brood survey results in 2021. The Department's annual brood survey is a measure of productivity and recruitment within Virginia's turkey population. In 2021, the survey indicated above average recruitment of turkey poults across much of the state. These birds are now 2 years old, and 2-year old gobblers are typically very eager to respond to hunter's calls. These 2-year old birds also tend to be more vocal, so they are often easier for hunters to locate. In addition to the increased availability of gobblers, favorable hunting weather contributed to a great season for many Virginia turkey hunters. Temperatures remained relatively cool and dry providing an ample amount of ideal hunting weather. 

As in previous years, more birds were harvested east of the Blue Ridge (68%) than west of the Blue Ridge (32%). Adult gobblers (those with a beard at least 7" in length) made up 92% of the total harvest, while juvenile gobblers known as "jakes" (those with a beard less than 7" in length) accounted for only 8% of the harvest. Turkey harvests occurred overwhelmingly in the morning (93%) versus the afternoon (7%).  

Most of the spring turkey harvest took place on private lands (93%).  Public land hunters (both federal and state) accounted for 7% of the total spring harvest, which was an increase from the prior two years. National Forest lands accounted for most public land harvests.  

Although many states within the region are reporting declining spring turkey harvests and populations, Virginia seems to be a bright spot regionally. Four of the top 5 turkey harvests have occurred since 2020, indicating that populations appear to be robust. However, there are several areas of the Commonwealth where objectives to increase turkey populations are not being met. DWR biologists continue to monitor these areas for potential management solutions. 

Using best available science and stakeholder input, the agency will begin revising the Wild Turkey Management Plan (dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/turkey/management-plan during 2023 and will provide more information as the process gets underway. More details of the turkey harvest can be found at: dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/turkey. 

For harvest by county information please visit the DWR wild turkey webpage: dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/turkey/