Free services offered at Operation Healthy Delta

Work continues in Caruthersville as military members from all over the United States come together for an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) clinic. The clinic was set up with through the U.S. Department of Defense in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority and offers medical, dental and optical services to anyone age 2 and up.

The group has worked each day since Sept. 13, doing basic medical check ups, wellness exams, a variety of blood tests and screenings as well as physicals. Patients may also receive optical exams and even single vision prescription eyeglasses which are made overnight and can be picked up the next day. The clinic has seen a large number of patients in the dental field, offering exams, extractions and fillings.

All of this is being done at zero cost to the patients. All exams and services are completely free. No insurance is needed, no identification and no proof of income. Those interested in taking part in these free medical services need only to show up at the Sacred Heart Catholic church beginning at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to register. They will then have vitals taken before being sent across the street to the Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church where the services will be rendered.

Numerous residents from all over the area have been thankful for not only the free services but for the kind and caring service they have received from the military officials. There are still a couple days left for the IRT clinic before the group returns to their home base. They encourage anyone in need of medical, vision or dental services to come by. The training not only helps people from all over the area to receive much needed care at no cost, but also helps the military members as they further their training to prepare for situations in which clinics would need to be set up.

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, Lifeblood will be on hand to accept blood donations.