LEECH LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION, Minn. - Past the playground and through the doors of an unassuming school, patients are greeted by hand-written signs guiding them toward a gymnasium.
Instead of the workout equipment typically found in a gym, there sits an in-processing area for a temporary medical clinic.
Over the course of two days, the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School was transformed in preparation for the Cass Lake Indian Health Service Innovative Readiness Training mission called 'Walking Shield'.
IRT is a Department of Defense program that aims to build readiness for military units while strengthening ties between America's communities and the military by addressing public needs. This year, Army Reserve Medical Command has partnered with the local IHS, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to provide no-cost healthcare services to the local community from July 10-19.
The IHS provides a comprehensive health services delivery system for American Indians and Alaska Natives with the opportunity for maximum tribal involvement in developing and managing programs to meet health needs.
This is the second year that Leech Lake has been selected by DoD as an IRT location for a medical mission, competing with multiple communities who apply to be one of the several locations selected each year.
The "Bug School," as it is affectionately called, was transformed into a medical facility that includes exam rooms, an optometry clinic, a dental clinic and a pharmacy, but before patients are sent to the appropriate room for services they must check in with two Soldiers who welcome every patient with a smile and a desire to help.
Spc. Jennifer Ross, a patient administrator from the 7221st Medical Support Unit based in Newark, Delaware, and Spc. Danitra King, a human resources specialist from the 7218th Medical Support Unit based in Louisville, Kentucky, have come to the Leech Lake Reservation as a part of the team of 40 people selected for this mission.
During this two-week exercise, both Ross and King have been operating as patient administrators, acting as on-the-job training for the Human Resource specialist.
"The biggest challenge was learning the Wi-Fi password," joked King, who calls Radcliff, Kentucky, home. "She always does medical records; whereas, I usually take care of the Soldiers. That's the major difference. But, a file is a file to me."
King and Ross have been greeting visitors, offering the proper forms and references to get patients seen by the health professionals during the IRT mission. Beyond all the paperwork, these two Soldiers are grateful for the opportunity to give back to those in need.
"Being in a medical unit, the aspect of going on missions where you can assist those that are in need and being able to provide those services is a plus," said Ross.
She said she feels honored to be able to provide for all community members in need, but especially enjoys the chance she has had during this exercise to serve Veterans.
"It was a pleasure seeing Veterans, being able to assist with their needs," added Ross, a Brooklyn, New York resident. "It's very fulfilling when you help your own."
Although obstacles like transportation, remote location and getting information to residents effectively have reduced community participation this year, many people have still been able to receive quality care for free and without a wait, assisting IHS with patient needs and reducing appointments scheduled at the Cass Lake facility.
In the short time the mission has run, the U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School have been able to provide basic medical, optometry and dental services to the community and dramatically shorten the wait times for more intensive procedures by providing referrals. Cass Lake IHS is providing continuity of care for Leach Lake Reservation members receiving medical services who require follow up care.
While this exercise is important, the Soldiers believe it would be beneficial to have opportunities like this throughout year.
"More missions like this are needed," said Ross. "If they said they needed to do this again, I would absolutely volunteer to come again."
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