Operation Healthy Delta provides no cost medical, dental and vision care to area residents**FREE ACCESS**

Poplar Bluff residents Mary and Bobby Swafford picked up two new pairs of glasses Tuesday thanks to Operation Healthy Delta, at no cost for either the visit to the optometrist or the frames and lenses.

The Swaffords were among the first people to be seen when the no-cost public health clinic opened Sunday, offering free medical, dental and vision care for anyone who attends.

“This is truly wonderful and we are incredibly appreciative,” remarked Mary Swafford.

Area residents wait patiently to be seen by medical volunteers during the Healthy Delta no cost health clinic being held on the campus of Three Rivers College.

DAR/Misty DeJournett

The first day saw more than 100 participants in need of care and the doors will stay open until June 20.

The clinic is being held on the campus of Three Rivers College. It is part of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation.

It also serves as an innovative readiness training program for military members.

DAEOC, in partnership with the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency and the Shawnee Development Council, is hosting health clinics in Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and Anna-Jonesboro, Illinois.

The primary objective of the military in these operations is to build community relations, ensure access to vital services for residents in need and fulfill military training requirements, officials have said.

Dental care has been particularly in demand in this area, said Major Justin Kannell, who is in charge of this year’s Poplar Bluff outreach event. Physical therapy has also been newly introduced alongside the services provided in the past.

According to Ann Terrell Smith, executive director of the SCMCAA, during the intake, they have seen patients come from near and far.

“(It’s been) Tennessee, Arkansas, as well as areas like Winona, West Plains, Elsinore Van Buren, Malden and Campbell,” said Smith

Various branches of the military, including active Air Force, Missouri Air National Guard, Army, National Guard, U.S. Navy Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service and Marine Corps, are represented at the event.

Smith, reported around 15 people were waiting for services at 7 a.m. Tuesday, some of whom had camped overnight. Services begin at 9 a.m., and she advised arriving half an hour early due to high demand and the first-come, first-served basis.

Charissa Young, a navigator for Supportive Services for Veteran Families, emphasized the vital role of Veterans Affairs in facilitating connections between veterans and essential resources. One such resource mentioned is the suicide crisis hotline, which is available at 988 or 988-1 specifically for veterans.

Additionally, FCC Behavioral Health professionals are available to engage in discussions on collaborative solutions, extending resource assistance to individuals who lack insurance coverage or have inadequate coverage.

Another participant, Missouri Highlands, is also present to offer at-home HIV tests, NARCAN and an array of comprehensive services such as medical and behavioral health care. At their clinics, accept most insurance plans and also provide sliding scale options for those without insurance, based on their income, according to workers from Missouri Highlands assisting at the clinic.

The Butler County Health Department is also on hand at the event to explain the resources and opportunities they have to offer in the community.

Gayla Williams, Medicaid Expansion specialist with the East Missouri Action Agency, said she is available to assist with Medicaid enrollment or marketplace insurance establishment, she can also be reached at 573-701-4579.

Other attendees echoed similar sentiments to the Swaffords, noting the service providers had been remarkably kind and helpful throughout the entire process.

The Poplar Bluff clinic will operate from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 14-19 and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on June 17 and 20 at the TRC Bess Activity Center. Services are available to all individuals without residency limits, income eligibility requirements or identification prerequisites.

For more information or transportation opportunities, contact 573-714-4562 for Poplar Bluff, 573-258-0419 for Sikeston, or 618-634-2201 for Anna-Jonesboro.