FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(June 24, 2022)
Shawna Blair
202-515-1354
[email protected]
Delta Regional Authority, Defense Department Will Host the Southern Illinois Wellness Mission to Provide Healthcare at No Cost to Patients
Innovative Readiness Training medical mission will be held July 22nd – 31st in Carbondale, IL.
CARBONDALE, IL – Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), will host the Southern Illinois Wellness Mission from July 22-31, 2022 in Carbondale. The medical mission will bring medical, dental, and vision care to residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.
The Southern Illinois Wellness Mission is an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program, a DoD military training opportunity that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness while simultaneously providing key healthcare services with lasting benefits for Delta communities. By utilizing their extensive resources, the military is able to meet some of the region’s most urgent healthcare needs. Among the services provided during IRT missions are basic medical and wellness exams, dental exams, extractions and fillings, and vision exams and single vision glasses.
“Delta Regional Authority is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Defense to bring accessible, quality healthcare at no cost to our Delta residents most in need,” said Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins. “We have seen year after year that Innovative Readiness Training medical missions bring life changing care to our communities, and it is our hope that Illinoisans take advantage of the medical, dental, and vision services provided by our military servicemen and servicewomen.”
Military personnel will offer dental, vision, and basic medical services to the public at no cost to patients. There are no income or residency requirements to receive treatment, and providers will treat patients ages three and older. Patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis.
"This opportunity along with the positive impact of delivering quality medical care to the regional community is exciting to our Soldiers. These Innovative Readiness Training missions offers the Army invaluable training opportunities while giving back to the community and creating strong relationships. We are looking forward to a memorable and enjoyable mission with our community partners," said LTC Slade Lindquist, 325th Field Hospital.
Location:
Carbondale City Hall
200 South Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
Mission Clinic Dates & Times:
Friday, July 22nd
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, July 23rd – Saturday, July 30th
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, July 31st
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Medical & Vision services only)
Please visit IRT.defense.gov for more information.
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About the Delta Regional Authority
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.