Free clinics providing healthcare in Eastern Ky

BEATTYVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) — Operation Bobcat gives members of the Air National Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve medical training, while also providing Eastern Kentucky communities with free healthcare services.

The pop-up clinics are happening in Lee, Owsley, Estill and Breathitt Counties and offer medical, dental and optometry care.

The services are at no cost to residents, and no insurance or ID is required.

“So how the community is selected is based on an application that the community submits to the Pentagon.” says Lt. Colonel Amy Mundell. “From there they review those applications and they select a community. They’re often times looking for communities that are under-served.”

Some of the services offered at no cost are check-ups and sports physicals, dental exams, cleanings and fillings, extractions, eye exams and patients are even offered a pair of eye glasses for free.

Patients don’t have to wait long, since the glasses are made on site.

“The Navy Component, they bring in a mobile unit that will edge the pair of glasses to fit.” says Major Brett Ringger, a Texas National Guard Optometrist. “So the patient will get a choice of several different pairs and they will be made and usually they’re made almost by the next day.”

Patients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The clinic in Beattyville is taking place at the Lee County High School and runs through Sunday, June 24th.

Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.