By John Henry
Knoxville, TN (WBIR/CNN) - Free health care was offered this weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee. Hundreds of people lined up to take advantage of the offer.
On Saturday at Chilhowee Park, what might have looked like chaos to the untrained eye, was anything but.
"We've got the system down pretty good," said
Volunteers with Remote Area Medical spent their day offering aid to those who might not get it otherwise.
They checked everything from eyes to teeth and expect to help over 1,000 people.
"Unfortunately this kind of operation is going to be needed in the United States for many, many years to come. In my estimation probably 50 million or so Americans that really cannot afford the care that they need," said founder Stan Brock.
It's a big help for Tara Cooper.
"We don't have dental insurance," said Cooper.
She said it's great to see people from as far away as New York take their time to help her.
"I think it's wonderful they come down here and donate their time and come down her to help people who really need it," said Cooper.
But these volunteers have other motives.
It's not just about giving people bright smiles as much as it is about saving lives. They want to promote healthy lifestyle habits.
One dentist says at the turn of the century the average person consumed four pounds of sugar a year.
"The average person consumes 157 pounds of sugar a year," said Dr. Bob Fulton.
He said he believes it's a dangerous trend.
"We're saving people from turning into a type two diabetic," said Dr. Fulton.
While the road to a healthier America may contain some bumps and bruises along the way, many volunteers say they'll get the job done.
WBIR/CNN