A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Remote Area Medical on the occasion of the organization's fortieth anniversary.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 157 is a commemorative resolution honoring and commending Remote Area Medical (RAM) on its fortieth anniversary. The resolution recognizes RAM’s founding in 1985 by Stan Brock and describes the organization’s mission of providing free medical, dental, and vision care through pop-up and telehealth clinics for uninsured, underinsured, and underserved people. It highlights RAM’s work in Tennessee and across the country, including service to rural communities, urban unhoused populations, veterans, and survivors of abuse.
The resolution emphasizes RAM’s volunteer-driven model and its long record of delivering free care without charging patients or relying on state or federal funding. It cites the organization’s national reach, the number of volunteers and patients served, and the value of care provided over four decades. The measure is purely honorary and does not create, amend, or repeal any statutory provisions or regulatory requirements.
Impact
SJR0157 has no direct legal effect on Tennessee statutes, state agency authority, or private rights. Its impact is symbolic: it places the General Assembly’s official recognition on Remote Area Medical and its service to vulnerable populations, and it may be used to present an official copy of the resolution to the organization. Because it is a joint resolution of commendation, it does not change healthcare law, funding, licensing, or access rules.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and unanimous. The bill passed the Senate and House floor votes without opposition, indicating broad bipartisan support for honoring RAM’s charitable healthcare mission. The language of the resolution itself is highly laudatory, framing the organization as a vital provider of compassionate care and a model of civic service.
Contention
There is little to no substantive contention reflected in the bill text or voting history. Because the measure is a nonbinding commendation, it does not appear to have generated policy debate over healthcare funding, access, or regulation. Any discussion would likely have centered on the appropriateness of the honor and the organization’s public service record, rather than on competing legal or fiscal positions.