BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The need for medical pop-ups is increasing, and Global Hope International is stepping up and setting up in Bethlehem this weekend.
Happening at Northeast Middle School Saturday and Sunday, the pop-up comes as residents seeking help with healthcare are on the rise.
Monica Georges, Executive Director at Global Hope International, explains a growing problem among many.
“A lot of people are suffering, and so, being able to bring these resources here is a huge thing,” Georges says.
The executive director has built a team of nearly 300 volunteers that serve locally and globally.
Their reach spans across nine countries, but serving Bethlehem is important to them, as their roots are local.
“We are so blessed to have the chance to do this for our neighbors is the best thing that we could ever do,” Georges remarks.
Reagan Monday is a Volunteer Coordinator for Remote Area Medical; they have partnered with Global Hope International for several years to bring dental, vision, and medical services to the Lehigh Valley area.
“People are making the decision between putting a roof over their head and going to the doctor, you’re going to put a roof over your head,” Monday says.
Medicaid changes are expected to reduce coverage for millions of low‑income adults, pushing more people into the safety net of free clinics.
“A lot of people are losing Medicaid; that’s going to limit their ability to get access to the care they need,” Georges explains.
69 News Reporter Kalista Mitrisin took viewers inside one of the dental cubicles to show visitors what the experience will be like.
Here’s how it works:
You’ll go inside one of the 20 cubicles within the facility.
You’ll sit down and be evaluated by a dental professional, who will then mark what exactly you need done.
Whether it’s dental hygiene, an extraction, or even a cavity filling, this is a one-stop shop for all of your issues.
But the medical services don’t stop on the first floor of the auditorium.
“There’s an auxiliary gym above us; it will have medical bays,” Monday explains.
“In our vision area, we actually have the refracting and an eye lab where we cut the lenses to prescription and make the glasses,” she says.
From general support to medical professionals like dentists, doctors, and nurse practitioners, many healthcare providers gather and give their time.
“All of our services are first come, first served; no ID, no proof of income required,” Monday says.
Front doors will open to patients around 5:45 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
“Anybody who needs medical care, we’re happy to be here, happy to bring these resources and to meet the needs,” Georges explains.
Additionally, community clinics are partnering with them in order to extend medical care if needed, including Lehigh Valley Health Network, which is providing mammograms.
“I most recently got a message from a woman who said that she has a lot of broken teeth in her mouth, and that she doesn’t have the financial help she needs to get dental care,” Georges explained.
“I’m hoping I get to meet her here tomorrow,” she says.
“That’s just one story. There’s many people that come to the clinic, and they’re so grateful that they’re able to get these free resources and get the care that they need,” Georges added.
Bethlehem Health Bureau will offer flu shots, and at least 20 non-profit organizations will be tabling with resources.
“As a collaborative effort, we’re working together to make sure that we’re caring for our neighbor, and I think that’s the best thing we can do for the people who need it the most,” Georges says.
Reagan Monday, Volunteer Coordinator at Remote Area Medical, went on to explain that RAM is a nonprofit based out of Knoxville, Tennessee. They’ve been around for about 40 years but have been working with Global Hope International Clinic since 2021.
They do pop-up clinics just like this about every weekend, providing free dental, medical, and vision care from extremely rural communities to populated urban areas.
“Our patient population continues to grow,” Monday says.
“Things continue to get more expensive, people continue to struggle financially, and people are making the decision between putting a roof over their head and going to the doctor, you’re going to put a roof over your head,” she explains.
A lot of the equipment has been donated over time, built, or donor-funded.
Monday explains this weekend’s operation will allow virtually anyone to show up, wait in line, and be seen for several different things.
The parking lot will open no later than midnight Friday, and again on Saturday going into Sunday.
Front doors will open to patients around 5:45 to 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The pop-up will host a full-day operation until they hit capacity on Saturday, and a half day on Sunday.
If you plan to stay overnight and wait, Monday explains some things to consider.
“Bring snacks, bring blankets, water, any medication you’re on, so that you’re regulated when you go through triage,” she says.
RAM says they are always accepting donations, and you can donate online at Free Mobile Healthcare Clinics | Remote Area Medical.
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