The Innovative Readiness Training program is scheduled for Aug. 11-23, 2014 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds near Cumberland, Md. The project is a collaboration between the Allegany County Health Department, Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) and the military.
The program, which was announced jointly by the offices of Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, will enable military medical personnel to receive “real-world training opportunities while providing necessary dental and medical services to Maryland communities in need,” the senators said.
Over the course of 11 days, between 60 and 80 medical professionals will work in Allegany County and provide medical services free of charge to the local community. The HRDC estimates the program will serve between 7,500 and 10,000 people.
The program will offer restorative and preventive dental care, vision, pain management and endocrinology services. Veterinary care is also being considered.
“It’s a great opportunity to offer medical care to the community,” said Courtney Thomas, executive director of the HRDC. “We’re very excited we were selected.”
“A stronger America begins at home,” said Mikulski. “As chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I want the best training for our troops and the best value for our dollar. The Innovative Readiness Training program is a fine example of our military working to provide real-world experience for our troops while strengthening American communities by delivering crucial medical services to individuals in need.”
“IRT programs allow for our military to constantly bolster their readiness, while providing important services to our communities,” said Cardin. “I am confident that the best practices developed by the Department of Defense with the help of the citizens and government of Allegany County will save lives around the world. This program is a prime example of federal and local assets uniting to improve the lives of Marylanders.”
Read more: http://www.times-news.com/local/x1022873899/Military-program-to-offer-health-care-to-area-residents
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