Many in the Southern Tier have faced challenges in accessing affordable healthcare services which means that they're not getting the basic healthcare that they need but that's about to change.

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Recognizing the need for basic healthcare, the Department of Defense's (DoD) Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program has partnered with the Southern Tier 8 Regional Planning and Economic Development Board to alleviate some healthcare concerns.

From Monday, July 11 through Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Delaware County will host 100 Army medical personnel and these military personnel will work to deliver a wide range of no-cost healthcare services to Southern Tier residents.

Healthcare services offered will include medical screenings, physicals (including school sports physicals), dental screenings and care, optometry exams and glasses, behavioral health screenings, veterinary screenings, and rabies shots. All providers are credentialed and credentialling has been verified by United Health Services (UHS).

Although the program is called Healthy Delaware, all persons of all ages from anywhere within the region are invited to receive no-cost healthcare at the Walton High School located on Stockton Avenue in Walton.

Those planning to take advantage of the no-cost healthcare should know that this will be a walk-in, first come first served situation, and possible lengthy wait times are expected. Attendees are encouraged to bring a water bottle and something to entertain themselves while they wait. No person will be required to show insurance, identification, or income verifications.

The DoD's IRT program has successfully brought together military resources and community needs. With a focus on bridging the gap between military training and community support, the program has empowered military personnel to provide essential services while honing their skills in real-world scenarios.

The IRT program embraces a comprehensive approach to community service, offering not just healthcare services, but also infrastructure improvements, disaster response support, and environmental restoration efforts. By engaging military units in these activities, the IRT program boosts military readiness while simultaneously meeting the urgent needs of communities such as those in the Southern Tier.

For more information on how you or someone you love can receive no-cost basic healthcare during the IRT Healthy Delaware event in Walton and what the schedule for the various no-cost health services will be, visit the Healthy Delaware Facebook page.

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