Partners coordinate free medical, dental and vision clinic

Area partners came together this week to discuss the logistics of providing free health, dental and vision care in June to what they anticipate will be thousands of area residents. Operation Healthy Delta, Innovative Readiness Training and free public health clinic will be 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 11 through June 19, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 17 and June 20, at the Three Rivers College Bess Activity Center, located at 2080 Three Rivers Blvd.

DAR/Misty DeJournett

Area partners came together this week to discuss the logistics of providing free health, dental and vision care in June to what they anticipate will be thousands of area residents.

The U.S. Department of Defense has joined forces with the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation to launch Operation Healthy Delta, Innovative Readiness Training and free public health clinic.

The days and hours of operation for the Poplar Bluff clinic will be 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 11 through June 19, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 17 and June 20. The clinic will be held at the Three Rivers College Bess Activity Center, located at 2080 Three Rivers Blvd.

DAEOC, in collaboration with South Central Missouri Community Action Agency and the Shawnee Development Council, will host the free health clinics in Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and Anna-Jonesboro, Illinois.

Together, these agencies will host three simultaneous events, providing the same range of services to community members, according to Ann Terrell Smith, executive director of the SCMCAA.

The primary role of the military in these missions is to foster community relationships, ensure access to essential services for residents in need and fulfill military training requirements. Local communities contribute by providing facilities, supplies and volunteers.

The IRT initiative, exclusive to the U.S. and its territories, offers joint training opportunities for military personnel while addressing community needs. While other service options are available, such as construction and engineering, the majority of IRT missions are centered around health care.

Although veterinarian services were considered, logistical challenges in the past prevented their inclusion beyond basic vaccinations, Smith explained.

Smith explained the potential benefits of hosting an IRT event are significant, as demonstrated by a similar initiative in 2019. Three locations — Sikeston, Barlow, Kentucky, and Cairo, Illinois, collectively served a total of 3,300 individuals, performing 22,000 procedures.

Approximately 1,600 pairs of glasses were distributed, with a total value of nearly $400,000. Dental procedures accounted for 5,700 treatments, amounting to a value of $238,000.

Medical procedures reached more than 10,000, with a total value of $723,000.

Overall, the monetary value delivered to these communities surpassed $1.3 million, accompanied by 19,000 military training hours, Smith shared.

To ensure the success of this upcoming event, community partners have been asked to agree to contribute support for continued service in specific areas.

During the clinic, optometrists will provide vision exams and single vision glasses free of charge. For individuals requiring bifocals, trifocals or other specialized prescriptions, the agency has secured additional funding to cover the costs.

East Side Pharmacy will process prescriptions issued during the event, including antibiotics and other medications, ensuring uninsured individuals receive necessary medications at no expense to them.

The range of services offered during the event will encompass basic medical wellness exams, school physicals, dental exams, extractions, fillings and sealants.

Additionally, individuals can access services related to mental wellness, mobility, motion improvement and injury management through the assistance of life coaches. The manufacturing of eyeglasses will occur at Sikeston’s lab, with arrangements made for swift return within a day or two.

Transportation options are being explored to accommodate individuals without means of getting to the campus, with the possibility of providing bus transportation from predetermined locations. According to Smith, more assistance in the area of transportation is needed.

There are no residency limits, income eligibility requirements or identification prerequisites for individuals seeking services. This allows individuals who may not have insurance, residency or proper identification to still receive medical care without barriers.

Participants will be asked to complete a brief, confidential questionnaire after receiving their desired services. To streamline the process, baseline screenings will be conducted to assess participants’ health care needs and connect them with appropriate resources.

As inquiries have arisen regarding the event, it is important to note that no appointments will be available, Smith said. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anticipating a high demand for dental services, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as previous IRT experiences have witnessed those in need arriving as early as 2 a.m., Smith said.

For more information about the clinics or transportation opportunities in the Poplar Bluff area call 573-714-4562, Sikeston at 573-258-0419 or Anna at 618-634-2201.