Wichita State students, faculty and staff helped provide the community with a day of free health care at the first annual Medical Mission at Home event on April 8 in Fairmount Park. Volunteers donated their services to provide community members with little or no health insurance coverage complimentary medical and dental care.

The event was inspired and led by Via Christi Health, who collaborated with Wichita State University, the City of Wichita and several community organizations. Over 200 WSU students, faculty and staff from all areas of the university made up the nearly 500 volunteers. In addition to providing medical services, volunteers operated as greeters and navigators, managed patient registration and set-up and tore-down booths.

Ted Ayres, director of community engagement and opportunity, was the primary liaison and coordinator for WSU. He says the coordination with everyone involved was extremely positive and a wonderful way for the university to further connect with the community.

“The event was hugely successful and took enormous planning and logistical efforts,” he says. “It was wonderful to see so many people, entities and organizations come together to provide much needed services for our friends and neighbors.”

Over 200 patients were served throughout the day with head-to-toe care, from behavioral health services to foot care. Other services included medical care and testing; dental, vision and hearing screenings; pharmaceutical prescriptions; and education about community services and resources. Patients were also provided with connections to follow-up care.

Sandra Bibb, dean of the College of Health Professions (CHP), says the event was an extremely beneficial experience for the students in the CHP.

“This was a fantastic example of applied learning for our students while also giving them an opportunity to serve our community,” she says. “It was a privilege for our college to be involved and we look forward to contributing our services again next year.”

Dean Elledge, program director for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program, says the residents, dental assistants and staff were honored to be involved in the event. Partnering with Via Christi Health, WSU Dental Hygiene, GraceMed, Hunter Health Clinic and E.C Tyree Dental Clinic, the dental tent was able to provide cost-effective options for patients with limited means. Children and adults in need received dental exams, oral cancer screenings and oral hygiene instruction.

“From donations of supplies by Delta Dental of Kansas and Henry Schein Dental, to the information booths for follow-up services, the focus was on the care of our neighbors,” he says. “The true success lies in the fact that those in need left that day knowing their community cares for their well-being and there are options available to attain a healthy mind, body and spirit.”