June 2, 2025

Hundreds gain access to free dental, vision, and medical care through Ferris State partnership with Remote Area Medical

Nearly 270 people received free dental, vision, and medical care at Ferris State University last weekend through a partnership with Remote Area Medical.

The event, the first ever in Michigan by Remote Area Medical, provided about $193,000 in medical services as volunteers filled Ferris State’s R.L. Ewigleben Sports Complex.

Care was available to any adult or child in need without insurance or identification, regardless of residency. Social service resources and even free haircuts were provided.

RAM is a Tennessee-based nonprofit that bridges the gap in the American health system by providing free healthcare services to those in need.

Using large-scale mobile clinics around the country, RAM partners with organizations like Ferris State to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and uninsured people who don’t have access to care or cannot afford it.

The event was organized by Ferris State Nursing faculty members Stephanie Gustman and Becky Johnson-Himes, who have volunteered at RAM clinics in other states and have worked nearly two years to bring the project to Big Rapids.

Mecosta County and neighboring Clare, Isabella, Lake, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties, are designated as areas with limited access to professional medical and dental healthcare.

“We’re really impressed by the number of volunteers and community partners who came out to help this weekend,” Gustman said. “There is a great need for healthcare services in this area, and this is an opportunity for Ferris State to help people in our region and across the state. This can really make a difference in a person’s life.”

Faculty and students from Ferris State’s School of Nursing, College of Health Professions, Michigan College of Optometry, College of Pharmacy, and several from other fields worked alongside professionals and volunteers from across the region to provide care.

Johnson-Himes said volunteers at the Big Rapids event came from 21 states and Canada.

Daniel Goes is a Health and Human Biology student at Brown University. He’s a native of Evanston, Illinois and made the trip to volunteer with his mother, Simone Goes.

“I volunteered at a RAM event in Ohio once. When I heard about this event and saw that it wasn’t too far from home, I really wanted to help,” he said. “It’s very meaningful work.”

Griselle Lobillo, a biomedical sciences student from Grand Rapids, volunteered to serve as a translator and guide, taking patients from one service area to the next.

She volunteered for a Mission of Mercy dental clinic and was moved by the number of people who needed services.

“So many people just don’t have access to services like this,” she said. “It's nice to see that we are able to help them with some healthcare that they need.”