HENDERSON, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) will be providing medical, dental, optical and veterinary care to residents in Western Kentucky this summer through an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical mission.
“DRA is proud of our ongoing partnership with the Department of Defense, as we work together to connect those living within our Delta communities to affordable health care,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “The impact IRT missions bring to communities in need of accessible treatment can be life changing for residents who have otherwise not had the means to seek care. We are looking forward to another year of hosting a successful mission.”
Recognized as the Green River Area Wellness Mission, the 2024 IRT program is a DOD military training opportunity that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness while simultaneously providing key health care services with lasting benefits for underserved communities within the Delta region. This year’s mission will take place June 15-25 at South Middle School in Henderson, Ky.
“The Green River Area Development District is proud to partner with the Delta Regional Authority and the City of Henderson to bring the Innovative Readiness Training program to our region this summer,” said Judge Steve Henry, chairman of the Green River Area Development District Board of Directors. “This program presents a unique opportunity to address health care gaps in our communities while simultaneously providing hands-on deployment readiness training to our military.”
By utilizing their extensive resources, the military will be able to meet some of the region’s most urgent health care needs. Many services will be provided during the IRT mission to include vision and wellness exams, issuance of single lens glasses, dental exams and extractions, as well as veterinary wellness.
“On behalf of the United States Air Force, Air National Guard, Army Reserve and Army National Guard, we are honored to be able to bring an Innovative Readiness Training medical mission to Henderson this summer,” said Capt. Chris Park, IRT ANG Deputy Program Manager. “With a dual focus on enhancing deployment readiness and addressing critical health care gaps in local communities, the IRT program stands as a testament to proactive collaboration and impactful service. None of this could be possible without the unwavering support of community partners. Together, we look forward to making a tangible difference for those in need of no-cost medical care.”
Military personnel will offer basic medical, dental, optical and veterinary services to the public at no cost to patients. There are no income or residency requirements to receive treatment. Providers will treat patients ages three and older. Patients will be treated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“There are so many things to love about this exercise,” said Mayor Brad Staton. “The IRT folks will receive some invaluable training, our community will receive access to no-cost dental, vision, health and animal care. What a great opportunity for our city.”
For more information about Innovative Readiness Training, visit IRT.defense.gov.
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