One of the sites was in Pharr, Texas at PSJA High School, approximately 1 mile from the border of United States and Mexico. Every morning, there was a line of patients to greet us, Some patients slept on location overnight, to ensure themselves a seat in a chair, for the highly coveted dental or vision services.
Over the course of each the four days, 100 vouchers were handed out for dental and vision. Eyeglasses were made onsite and for those that needed dental care beyond cleanings, extractions and fillings were provided. Immunizations, such as varicella, tetanus, and various hepatitis series, were available to children and adults, and mental health services were also available.
405th Combat Support Hospital Soldiers worked alongside Texas State Guard Soldiers and Texas Public Health civilian providers, during the four-day period. There were five sites along the border of Southern Texas that offered services. Collaboratively, Services were provided to over 20,000 patients.