Anyone older than three years old with the ability to travel to Bledsoe County High School or Rhea County Middle School can receive medical, dental, and optometry services at no cost from July 11-21, except for July 19. No-cost treatment for cats and dogs is available at Rhea County Fairgrounds July 11-21, except for July 15 and 19. Both clinics will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The no-cost clinics are known as Operation Healthy Tennessee, one of the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) programs. These medical missions provide training opportunities to military units while providing incidental benefit to communities via no-cost healthcare. Care is delivered by credentialed healthcare providers. There is no ID required, no income or residency requirements, and no appointments needed. Care is given on a first come, first served basis.
“We’re proud to be serving the people of Bledsoe County, Rhea County, and the surrounding areas,” said 1st Lt. Danielle Lloyd, officer-in-charge of the approximately 200- person Operation Healthy Tennessee mission. “These missions mean a lot to us, they give us the chance to use our skills to make a real difference for those who need it most. We’re also grateful to work alongside local partners and organizations who care deeply about their communities. Even though we’re only here for a short time, the relationships we build and the impact we leave behind stay with us long after we go.”
Sports physicals, wellness checks, chronic medical checkups, vision screenings, single vision prescription glasses, dental fillings, extractions, limited exams, (no dentures will be available) are being offered at the two medical clinics are located at Bledsoe County High School, 877 Main St. Pikeville, Tn., 37367 and Rhea County Middle School, Eagle Lane, Evensville, Tn., 37332. These services are open to everyone in the community and are provided at no cost.
Veterinary services include wellness exams and spaying and neutering. Microchip implantations and vaccinations for cats and dogs are available while supplies last. Veterinary services are available at the Rhea County Fairgrounds, behind the Rhea County Health Department, 344 Eagle Laane, Evensville, Tn., 37332. Spaying and neutering surgery drop off is 8-9 a.m. Cats and dogs should not have food and water after midnight prior to surgery. Dogs and cats need to be older than three months, minimum weight for cats is two lbs. and dogs is three lbs. All pets should be in a crate or on a leash. For more information on veterinary services, call 423-619-2613.
Individuals can check in their pets for surgery and can travel to receive health care services while waiting on their pet. All animals are required to be vaccinated properly before surgery and a rabies vaccination will be provided if needed. If your animal is already vaccinated, a vaccination record must be provided.
People are encouraged to go early in the day to the clinics as this will lead to a higher likelihood of being seen. Clinics usually see the highest patient load towards the end of mission, so patients are also encouraged to get to the clinic as soon as they can.
Community organizations will be onsite for referrals as needed.