Wellness mission to continue as scheduled

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Operation CNMI Wellness is set to continue as scheduled despite recent news that it might have to be cut short by two days.

Last Wednesday, following the launch of Operation CNMI Wellness, it was reported that the DOD-funded medical mission might have to be cut short due to unforeseen circumstances. Fortunately, that is no longer the case.

According to Lt. Col Kristin Porter, public affairs officer for IRT Wellness Missions, CNMI Operation Wellness is back on its original schedule.

“We were preparing for a curtailment of mission dates due to the requirements for medical equipment load-out. Our Air Force partners are now sending additional team members to Saipan for equipment reset prior to transport to the next IRT mission, which is in Guam at the end of the month, allowing us to maintain services on Saipan until July 19 and on Tinian and Rota until July 18,” she said.

With that, the medical mission is set to conclude on July 19 at 12pm for Saipan and July 18 at 6pm for Rota and Tinian.

Services provided include medical, optometry, dental, behavioral health services, and veterinarian services.

According to Capt. Gary Knight, Saipan Mission OIC, those interested in availing of any of the services provided can expect long wait times and are encouraged to bring beverages and snacks.

“Bring yourself maybe a snack, something to keep you entertained while you wait. It would be nice if you could bring your records and prescriptions but you don’t necessarily need to bring them. If you have a specific case where you think it might be best to bring them to give our healthcare providers additional step forward, absolutely, but ideally we don’t need records or even your ID,” he said.

Col. Hugh West, mission commander for IRT CNMI, encourages the entire CNMI to avail of this medical mission as it is 100% free.

“All of our trained, credentialed, fully licensed providers here are providing these services to the community at no cost to the community at all,” he said.

In an interview with CBMA special assistant Danny Aquino, he reminds everyone to go directly to the American Memorial Park for registration. Walk-ins at the Medical Care and Treatment Site of the Commonwealth Health Center, where the mission is being held, will be directed to AMP. “To the people, please take advantage of this mission. It’s no cost to anyone. Go to the Memorial Park, do not come directly to CHC. At the Memorial Park, someone will register you for one service at a time and transport you to the MCATS.”

For those interested in availing of free medical services provided by trained medical personnel from various branches of the military, head to the American Memorial Park from 8am to 6pm and get registered. COTA will be providing shuttle service to and from CHCC and AMP.