Oct. 2, 2007 — Fall is here, and with it comes flu season.
For the seventh year the annual CareForce program will offer exams and shots throughout the territory. At no cost residents can get two shots and an array of tests and exams.
“We give free flu and pneumonia shots,” said Monsita Diaz, the project manager for Care Force at the V.I. Medical Institute. “We test for diabetes, check cholesterol and blood pressure, give eye exams and examine their feet and their teeth. A lot of people look out for us every year.”
The flu shots can really be life savers for seniors in particular.
CareForce began in 1996 as a way for the Indiana National Guard to fulfill its obligations for annual military training, Diaz said. In 2000, under the guidance of Dr. Cora Christian, VIMI began facilitating and coordinating private, military and government sponsors to bring medical examination services to the territory every year. And Gov. John deJongh Jr. recently declared Oct. 14 to 20 V.I. CareForce Week, she said.
“It is geared toward seniors,” Diaz said. “But we do not turn anyone away. It is not as extensive as going to a doctor. But for many seniors it is the only way they can receive some kind of health exam. We know CareForce fills a gap in many of our senior’s health care. The numbers speak for themselves."
The program has been enormously successful, Diaz noted.
“The first year of the program they served 1,580 residents,” she said. “Last year we served nearly 3,000. And I’d like to see 4,000 this year. It is a challenging project, but it is very important to us.”
This year’s partners include the V.I. National Guard, AARP, the Department of Human Services, Hovensa, Pfizer, United Health Group, community organizations and numerous enthusiastic volunteers, all working together to serve residents of the Virgin Islands.
“Insurance reps from Pfizer and representatives from Medicare and Medicaid, they will be there too, checking over the project,” she said.
The program is looking for more volunteers and sponsors, so anyone interested in helping should call VIMI at (340) 712-2400.
Here are the dates and places for this year’s CareForce clinics:
St. Croix
Monday, October 15th
Sunshine Mall
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 16th
D.C. Canegata Complex
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
St. John
Thursday, October 18th
St. Ursula’s Senior Center
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Thomas
Thursday, October 18th
Frenchtown Community Center
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, October 19th
Lutheran Church of the Reformation
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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