(Posted July 26, 2017)
Madison County Public Health is joining forces with the Ohio National Guard to provide a day of free health care for everyone in Madison County.
On Aug. 5, more than 100 medical professionals from Madison County Public Health, the Ohio National Guard, and Madison Health will be at London High School to provide free health care services to everyone. The only requirement to receive care is Ohio residency. The event, known as “Guard Care,” will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Each year Ohio counties can apply to host the Guard and they typically select one county,” said Madison County Health Commissioner Chris Cook. “This year, I think we are fortunate here in central Ohio because they not only selected Madison County but Union County, as well. To me, this just underscores the continuing need for high quality health care services in our community.” Union County will host Guard Care the weekend of Aug. 12.
No appointments are necessary and no insurance will be taken. Guard doctors, nurses and medics will administer the care. The event is open to people of all ages.
“For parents with kids in school, this is a perfect opportunity for free back-to-school immunizations and free sports physicals,” Cook said. “It’s on a weekend, it’s right before school, and the price is right—free.”
Madison Health CEO Dana Engle said that he was happy to commit people and resources to the Guard Care event.
“We want to work towards improving not only individual health, but also community health,” Engle said. “Working with Madison County Public Health on common goals is what we are here to do.” The hospital is providing lab work, women’s health screenings, and mammograms.
Sgt. First Class Amy Saltis with the Ohio National Guard said that Guard personnel look forward to serving Ohioans with free health care each year.
“This event is ideal for those who have put off preventative and routine healthcare because of high insurance deductibles, lack of insurance, or inability to find a medical provider. Simply put, this is a day of service to the residents of our great state of Ohio,” Saltis said.
Other free services include routine bloodwork and physicals, developmental assessments, mammograms, STD and HIV testing, vaccinations, vision/hearing exams, dental sealants, and fluoride varnish.
“Everything we do is focused on creating a healthier Madison County,” Cook said. “This partnership with the Guard and Madison Health has been just one more way to make progress. Federal folks will continue to debate what is best for everyone’s health, but here in Madison, we are getting something done.”
London High School is located at 336 Elm St. in London. For more about Guard Care, go to madisonpublichealth.org or call (740) 852-3065.
