The RAM Issaquah Hosts Everyone for Veterans Blood Drive

The RAM Issaquah will host a blood drive on Monday, January 21 with Everyone for Veterans, the Issaquah-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting low-income combat veterans. It’s all part of efforts to raise awareness for those who have served our country. The Bloodworks Northwest mobile donation center will be on-site in the parking lot of The RAM at Grand Ridge Plaza from noon to 6 pm to welcome both returning and new blood donors. To make an appointment, click here.

Founded by Issaquah dentist Dr. Theresa Cheng, Everyone for Veterans is a grassroots effort of volunteers working to connect communities with ways to honor low-income combat veterans. Its primary focus is providing dental care to veterans and their spouses, many of whom can’t afford essential dental work.

While qualified veterans receive healthcare from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, few receive dental care. As a result, many low-income veterans suffer from untreated dental conditions.

Everyone for Veterans pairs dentists with veterans in need, and the dentists provide free care. To date, Everyone for Veterans has enlisted the help of close to 400 dentists, plus dozens of specialists and dental labs, to provide volunteer, no-cost services.

But it’s not only dentists who can offer support through Everyone for Veterans. Businesses and individuals can participate by donating or procuring goods and services. From marriage counselling to eye exams, and from gym memberships to haircuts, all donations make a tremendous difference.

Community members can sign up to become an Everyone for Veterans Wingman and be the connector between a veteran and the donated services that will enrich his or her life. A Wingman procures donations and connects businesses and service providers with a veteran. Donations can take the shape of fishing equipment to help a veteran re-connect with a favorite sport, or free veterinary services for a veteran’s much-loved pet.

“Being a participant in Everyone for Veterans was a wonderful experience for myself and my team,” said Dr. Garrick Lo. “Our veteran was paired with us with ease, and was seen a short two weeks after our initial contact. At the time, he was unemployed, and by the end of our treatment, he had secured a part-time job and his confidence was high. We see this as an awesome chance to give back to our community and the veterans that have served our country.”

To learn more about Everyone for Veterans, drop by The RAM on January 21. Volunteers will be standing by with information on how to become a Wingman and to make a positive difference in the life of a veteran.

Photo credit: Everyone for Veterans. Originally published on GrandRidgePlaza.com.