Southwestern Seminary hosts site for free medical clinic for underserved

Hundreds gathered in the Riley Center on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary November 4 and 5 to receive free medical, dental, and vision care through a medical clinic hosted by Remote Area Medical (RAM) and the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNT HSC). The clinic serves to reach those who may not have the financial means to receive medical care throughout the year.

“It was a privilege to partner with the University of North Texas Health Science Center and others to host the Remote Area Medical clinic on the campus of Southwestern Seminary,” President David S. Dockery said. “Since our founding, Southwestern has worked closely with local partners to make Fort Worth a better city. This free medical, dental, and vision clinic continues that tradition of demonstrating the love of Christ by serving our neighbors.”

During the medical clinic, participants received medical care ranging from dental cleanings and extractions to regular eye exams. To help as many people in need as possible, no identification was required to receive medical care. The clinic served 377 patients over the two days of operation, according to Paula Cobler, director of marking and communication for UNT HSC.

“If you look around these rooms and see the groups and individuals that volunteer to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, it’s amazing,” said Jeff Eastman, CEO of RAM during a press conference November 3. “I am grateful for everyone who has given up their time, which we only have so much time on earth, to give back to our neighbors.”

Eastman spoke about his vision for helping those in the community with their medical needs. He said the reason for the clinic is to help those who may not have access to good providers, those who may have a high deductible or even those who just cannot get off work to get medical care.

Sylvia Trent-Adams, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNT HSC), addressed the crowd gathered at the media event for the medical clinic held on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and organized and hosted by the Remote Area Medical and UNT HSC. The clinic provided free medical, dental, and vision care to those who might not have the financial means to obtain care throughout the year.

“I am so happy to be able to continue to serve in this mission and to serve the people of Fort Worth,” said Sylvia Trent-Adams, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at UNT HSC. “Some people may not know about RAM right now, but I hope this will not be the last time they experience a clinic because it means so much to those around us to get free medical care who have waited all year to get medical care that they may not if not for this clinic.”

Trent-Adams also introduced a group from the United States Public Health Service Commission Corps. She said that the corps “means a lot” to her as she spent many years of her public health career with the group. She added that she was “happy and excited” to work with them again in this way.

“What I want to talk about today is that we care,” Trent-Adams said. “We care not only about our mission, our vision, and our connection to the community, but we care about every single person who is in our community that has a need. We want to show up with them and make sure that we can do whatever is needed to help them.”

During the press event on Friday, there were not only volunteers setting up for the event, but local public officials, including Councilwomen Elizabeth Beck and Jeanette Martinez of the Fort Worth City Council.

To read about some of those served by the clinic, please see this news story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.