Friday, June 15, 2018

Military members are providing free screenings and medical care in Breathitt, Owsley, Lee and Estill counties through June 24

The Kentucky Air National Guard is leading an effort to provide free medical screenings and care at four adjoining counties in Eastern Kentucky through June 24.

Starting June 15, the guard's 123rd Medical Group, Navy Reserve and active-duty Air Force and Navy personnel will offer medical screenings, non-emergency treatments; physical examinations for student athletes; dental exams, cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams, and single-prescription eyeglasses.

Clinics are being held at Lee County High School in Beattyville, Owsley County High School in Booneville, Estill County High School in Irvine and Breathitt County High School in Jackson, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Residents of other counties can receive screenings and care, as long as they are at least 2 years old. Insurance cards and identification are not being required.

The 215 military members in "Operation Bobcat" will see patients on a first-come, first-served basis. A similar effort in Western Kentucky in 2016 provided more than 13,000 medical, dental and optometric procedures. More than 1,500 pairs of prescription eyeglasses and $20,000 worth of medications were provided free, according to a news release from the guard.

The Kentucky Department for Local Government, which is cosponsoring the program, is hosting a resource center with information on wellness, nutrition and immunizations.

The program is designed to simulate how military medical responses are conducted in times of crisis, conflict or disaster, the guard said in a news release.

“This kind of training helps hone our expeditionary skills so we’re ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to provide care anywhere in the world,” said Lt. Col. Amy Mundell, a medical administrative officer in the Guard’s 123rd Medical Group.

Local Government Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said, “We’re very pleased to support a program that gives our military health-care troops essential training in field operations and logistics, keeping their skills sharp so they can be prepared to respond wherever they’re needed. At the same time, the program will be providing crucial services to citizens of the commonwealth who may not have ready access to care. This is a win for everyone.”

No comments:

Post a Comment