HENDERSON, Ky.–The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and the U.S. Department of War are partnering once again to bring another medical mission to Western Kentucky, thanks to the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program.
Led by the DRA, Air National Guard, Green River Area Development District (GRADD) and City of Henderson, the 2026 Green River Area Wellness IRT Mission will provide basic medical, dental, optometry, hearing and mental health services – at no cost – to residents of Henderson, Union and Webster counties and nearby communities. This year, the IRT will offer care at three satellites locations, from June 11-21, at the following sites:
June 11-21: North Middle School, 1701 2nd St., Henderson, Ky.
June 11-14: Union County Middle School, 4465 US-60, Morganfield, Ky.
June 16-19: Webster County High School, 1922 US-41 ALT, Dixon, Ky.
Services will be offered to patients ages 3 and up on a first-come, first-served basis. No income or residency requirements will be needed to receive treatment.
“This upcoming mission highlights the continued partnership between the DRA and Department of War in bringing much-needed care to residents in Delta communities across Western Kentucky,” said Christina Wooden, DRA Health Programs Manager. “DRA is thankful for its partnership with the Department of War, which allows us to continue offering accessible care.”
As an IRT, the 2026 Green River Area Wellness Mission will provide key health care services to underserved communities within the DRA region while simultaneously serving as a military training opportunity to increase deployment readiness.
“On behalf of the United States Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, we are honored to bring this Innovative Readiness Training medical mission to Henderson. We know this community is resilient, and as Henderson continues to recover from last year’s flood, we are proud to
support that recovery,” said Maj. Nathaniel Horwitz-Willis, Air Force Guard and Active Duty Air Force IRT Program Manager. “This IRT mission is about more than just training; it’s about our commitment to our country and its people. By providing no-cost medical, dental, and vision care, we are not only enhancing our readiness but also making a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Western Kentucky. This is a testament to the power of proactive collaboration, and we are grateful for the unwavering support of our community partners who make it all possible.”
By utilizing their extensive resources, the Air National Guard will be able to meet some of the region’s most urgent health care needs right in Western Kentucky. Some of the services to be provided during the IRT mission include vision and wellness exams, issuance of single lens glasses, dental exams and extractions, as well as sports physical exams.
“There are so many meaningful benefits to the IRT mission,” said City of Henderson Mayor Brad Staton. “The military receives invaluable real-world training while our community gains access to no-cost dental, vision, audiology, mental health and medical services. We are proud to welcome back this opportunity to Henderson and look forward to the positive impact it will have across our region.”
The City of Henderson last hosted the Green River Area Wellness IRT Mission in 2024. During that time, military personnel completed a total of 21,710 training hours while meeting with 1,642 patients, performing 34,161 procedures, and fabricating and/or distributing 917 eyeglasses for an estimated total of $1.6 million in health care services provided.
“The opportunity to host the Innovative Readiness Training mission for Western Kentucky is an incredible honor for our region. This partnership represents the very best of collaboration where we are bringing together community leaders, health care partners, and the dedicated men and women of our military to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve,” said GRADD Executive Director Kenneth J. Williams. “We are deeply grateful for the chance to again welcome and host the IRT team to Western Kentucky and showcase the strength, compassion and resilience of our communities. Together, we are not only expanding access to critical services but also building lasting relationships that strengthen our region for years to come.”
For more information about Innovative Readiness Training, visit IRT.defense.gov.
