August 1st, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Free healthcare services at the Allegany County fairgrounds provided by reservists of the United States Army for Innovative Readiness Training, a 2-week field training exercise for reservists in the Western Maryland region. Army Major, Kim Nadeau was a guest on WCBC's Dave Norman program, was asked should people feel skeptical about free health care?

"I can imagine people would feel that way, it’s certainly a rarity that somebody would come into the community to provide services that won't cost anything but this is something that AHEC West worked really hard to obtain a partnership with the military to provide much needed services for the area."

Medical exams are available along with physicals and immunizations for children 4 to 18 years of age. Today's hours begin at 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. Specialty medical services available include Optometry, Dental. Medical and Occupational Therapy. 

Army Major, Kim Nadeau talking with WCBC News elaborated on the dental care available…

"So anyone who needs dental services for exams, they're doing x-rays, they have limited capabilities for cleaning but they are doing some cleaning and we are doing extractions and fillings." 

No Veterinary services are provided today however; they will be available on Friday. 

The event is sponsored by AHEC West, Allegany County Health Department, HRDC, Social Services, Western Maryland Consortium, Lifeline phones and a number of community groups. The event will end on August 5th at 4 p.m.