Photo By Mary-Dale Amison | A U.S. Air Force dentist and dental technician provide dental support to a patient at...... read more read more
More than 140 service members joined forces to provide no-cost, basic health care services to the Southeastern Missouri region from Sept. 13 - 21, as part of the Operation Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) exercise.
Air National Guard, Navy (Active and Reserve), and Active Component Air Force members set up two field-condition medical facilities in the cities of Charleston and Caruthersville to provide no-cost medical, dental, and ophthalmology support services on a first come, first served basis to residents of the local communities. The Navy contributed 41 Sailors to support the event. The majority were Reservists from Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Great Lakes, but the Sailors also included Reservists and active-duty members from across the United States.
Led by the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group, headquartered at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., dental exams, extractions and restorations; vision exams, single-vision eyeglasses, medical screenings, sports physicals, referrals and non-emergency medical treatments were offered at Charleston United Methodist Church, in Charleston, and Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church, in Caruthersville. Residents were able to obtain information at clinic sites about local health care services, public health programs and general information about the community and events.
Patients were not asked to provide identification or insurance information, creating easy access to care.
“Every patient I have spoken with could not say enough about how helpful this opportunity has been for themselves and their families,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Storm, a member of the 131st Bomb Wing and non-commissioned officer in charge of the care site in Caruthersville.
“They have all expressed how grateful they are for our combined forces being here to provide expert care.”
At the conclusion of the exercise, a total of 2251 patients were seen at the two clinics and 15,892 procedures were performed, according to Maj. Jim Miller, 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group and Operation Healthy Delta IRT officer in charge. Additionally, 1372 no-cost pairs of eyeglasses were issued to patients through the optical support provided by an active-duty team from Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) in Yorktown, Va., who were on-site, crafting prescription eyeglasses and reading glasses.
The primary goal of the mission was training for service members. Medical personnel were able to provide care to patients in a real-world environment, and personnel in administration, communications, transportation and logistics received hands-on training in their respective career fields. The program allows troops to conduct critical training and logistical movements, which simulate a military medical response in the time of crisis, conflict or disaster – all within a joint operation.
“This is a wonderful example of the long-standing tradition of U.S. Armed Forces – acting as good neighbors at the local level,” said Navy Lt. Cdr. Cari Hodgson, officer in charge of the care site in Charleston. “Our teams are receiving valuable training while assisting with worthy civic and community health projects.”
“The service branches came together on day one as a unified force and have been working together to complete our mission,” Hodgson said.
An exercise like the Operation Healthy Delta IRT affords junior service members the opportunity to take on new assignments and leadership roles in a non-threatening and positive learning environment.
Senior Airman Tara Smith, a bioenvironmental engineer with the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Medical Group, based in Trenton, N.J., was charged with keeping track of all patient encounters, procedures and financial impact at the Charleston care site.
“This was such a great experience for me because I was able to work directly with the Command and Control, so I got to see how a top-tier leadership team operates,” Smith said. “Having such an important responsibility and being able to train doctors on reporting their numbers has given me a new confidence to take on leadership roles in my home unit.”
Tech. Sgt. Syretta Kirk of the 131st Medical Group worked administration and medical logistics, and spoke highly of the experience and how it was impacting lives.
“Since I have been here I have talked to so many patients, but one just stands out: Mr. Ron,” Kirk said. “I was dropping off some glasses to optometry and as I was returning to my station, Mr. Ron had just picked up his glasses and was waiting to see dental. As I passed, he pulled out his new pair of glasses, put them on, and I watched as a huge smile traveled across his face. I smiled and complimented him on how nice he looked. He then told me it had been about 9 years since he’d had glasses and even though they’re not bifocals, he can still see. He thanked us over and over again for helping him.”
With a big smile, Kirk added, “This is my very first IRT. When is the next one? Sign me up!”
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2017 16:18 |
| Story ID: | 249430 |
| Location: | CHARLESTON, MO, US |
| Web Views: | 490 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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