Clarksdale, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), have joined forces to deliver a medical mission in Southwest Alabama this summer through an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT).
Led by DRA, the Army Reserve and the MOWA Choctaw Housing Authority, the 2025 MOWA Choctaw Wellness IRT Mission will provide medical, dental, optometry and veterinary services — at no cost — to residents of Washington County, Mobile County and surrounding Alabama communities. The mission will take place June 3-12 at the MOWA Choctaw Housing Authority on 1080 Red Fox Road W., Mt. Vernon, AL 36560. No income or residency requirements will be needed to receive treatment; and patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis.
“DRA is proud to continue our partnership with the Department of Defense to strengthen access to affordable, quality health care in our Delta communities,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “We know that healthier communities are stronger communities and that improved health outcomes are directly tied to economic growth, workforce readiness and long-term regional prosperity.”
Since 2009, DRA and the DOD have successfully hosted more than 50 IRT missions across DRA’s eight-state service region.
As an IRT, the 2025 MOWA Choctaw Wellness Mission will provide key health care services to underserved communities within the Delta Region while simultaneously serving as a military training opportunity to increase deployment readiness.
“The Army Reserve Medical Command is honored to serve the MOWA Choctaw community. We are committed to providing world class medical care that supports the health, wellness and prosperity of this community. It is our hope that we will leave a positive and lasting impact on the local community and the lives we touch,” said Lieutenant Colonel Annan, 7245th Medical Support Unit Commander.
By utilizing their extensive resources, the military will be able to meet some of the region’s most urgent health care needs by delivering services such as vision and wellness exams, single lens glasses issuance, dental exams and extractions, and veterinary care.
“This mission is a blessing to our community,” said Chief Lebaron Byrd of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians. “Access to quality health care remains a challenge for many of our people. We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to host a mission that will bring life-changing services to our tribal members and surrounding communities. It reflects the strength of unity and compassion in service.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Delta Regional Authority, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the entire medical team for their commitment to service and their willingness to make a lasting impact in our community,” said Lillie Steiner, Executive Director of MOWA Choctaw Housing Authority. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the MOWA Choctaw Housing Authority in June and continuing to build strong partnerships that uplift and serve the people of this region.”
For more information about the Innovative Readiness Training program, visit IRT.defense.gov.
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