MMM Health Fair for Veterans helps local veterans.

On October 27, 2012, Montero Medical Missions had its inaugural Health Fair for Veterans at the Lifestyle Center of the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC).   Over 90 volunteers participated in the event, eager to give back to the veterans in their community. 

Fifty-five veterans were screened by healthcare professionals in the following areas of the veteran's choice: 

            1.  general medicine

            2.  dental care

            3.  mental health

            4.  eye sight

            5.  hearing

            6.  dermatology

            7.  women's health

            8.  chiropractic

            9.  prosthesis / orthosis

            10. social work

Among the many physicians that volunteered their time to screen the veterans were MMM Vice President G. Peyton Neatrour, MD and MMM advisory board member Stephanie Marioneaux, MD, both ophthalmologists.  The Lions mobile van was also at the event for screenings.

Each veteran was assigned a volunteer to escort them through the health fair and provide the V.I.P. treatment that the veterans deserve.  The veterans were given a thank you "goody bag".  Additionally, continental breakfast from Panera and lunch from ECPI University was provided for the 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM event.

The inaugural event included a short ceremony conducted by COL (R) James W. Ireland, Director of the Health Fair for Veterans.   MMM Founder and President, Juan Montero II, MD also spoke along with Bob Oman, Chairman of the CRMC Hospital Authority and Eric Endries, Director of the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program for Hampton Roads.  

The feedback we received from veterans and volunteers was extremely positive.  The veterans were very appreciative to MMM and the volunteers were pleased to assist the veterans.  

After the veterans were screened at all the areas of their choice, those that required medical treatment were referred to physicians and other healthcare providers in the region.  

There is not enough room to print all of the findings of the health fair, but we'd like to share some of the vision screening results.    Dr. Neatrour screened 25 people and dispensed 8 pairs of glasses to appreciative veterans.   His vision screening resulted in identifying the following:   4 Cataracts, 1 Glaucoma, 4 Glaucoma suspect, 2 Retina/Macular Degeneration, 2 Pseudophakia, 8 Presbyopia, 4 Myopia, and 8 Hyperopia.

Many individuals and organizations, including Director Becky Washburn and the Chesapeake Medical Reserve Corps, volunteered their time and/or services and MMM is thankful for their support.   If you are interested in volunteering for future health fairs, please let us know.  Businesses and companies looking to employ veterans are welcome.  We are also looking for donations of items for future thank you "goody bags" for the veterans.  

Future Health Fairs for Veterans will be at the Lifestyle Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center on the following dates:

            January 12, 2013         9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

            April 27, 2013              9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

            July 13, 2013               9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

            October 12, 2013        9:00 AM to 1:00 PM