CLARKSDALE, MS – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical missions that will serve five Delta communities next year. The Northwest Arkansas Wellness Mission and Monroe/West Monroe Wellness Mission will be held in Summer 2023. DRA partners with DoD to bring medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.
“Access to affordable healthcare is a struggle for many living in our rural Delta communities,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins. “The impact IRT missions bring to communities in need of accessible treatment can be life changing to residents who have not had the means to otherwise seek care. I am proud of DRA’s partnership with the Defense Department, and look forward to working with our community partners to ensure another year of successful missions.”
“The City of West Monroe is pleased to partner with the City of Monroe and the Delta Regional Authority to bring Innovative Readiness Training to Northeast Louisiana,” said West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell. “The IRT Program provides a critical service to the community, and we are proud to play a small role in bringing much-needed healthcare services to this region of our state.”
“I am honored to welcome members of the Innovative Readiness Training program to the City of Monroe,” said Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis. “As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I’ve seen first-hand how our U.S. military has been called to respond to natural disasters – it’s a point of pride knowing our city will play a role in helping our service members get ready to help those during their most desperate time of need. This is also an opportunity for our local first responders to gain new insight into disaster preparedness – something we are well-versed with.”
Please visit IRT.defense.gov for more information.