15 Aug 2016 A Day of Caring serves community

Unity Health recently held its 20th Annual A Day of Caring.

A total of 1,384 participants received assistance through the day of medical mission, which helps uninsured and underinsured residents of White County and the surrounding areas.

This year, more than 391 volunteers from Unity Health and the community united to serve at the outreach event, which was held at in the Harding Academy High School gym. Also, 29 local organizations set up booths to provide educational materials to participants on health and social services. “We are always amazed at the remarkable turnout of volunteers and sponsors,” said Unity Health Marketing Director Brooke Pryor. “The spirit of volunteerism in our community is tremendous, and our hospital is proud to be part of a community that cares for its neighbors. Thank you to each volunteer and sponsor who served at A Day of Caring.”

Physicians, physician residents, dentists, eye doctors and pharmacies from the local medical community donated their time and services to see patients. As a result, 71 medical exams, 161 dental screenings and 62 eye screenings were performed and prescriptions were filled for 51 participants. Pap exams, depression screenings and blood sugar checks were also given.

A total of 652 bags of school supplies and 680 pairs of shoes were given to children present. Hair stylists gave 157 haircuts, 545 bags of groceries were distributed and 1,116 Gideon Bibles were given out to participants. Other items given out included personal care products, diapers and children’s socks and underwear. Also, 1,700 lunches were distributed to participants and volunteers.

A Day of Caring 2016 was sponsored by: ARcare; Arkansas State University, Searcy; CARTI, Caring Dentist Group; Centennial Bank; Cool 104; Cousin’s Office Furniture; Covenant Fellowship Church; Crain Media; Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation;  Eaton Corporation; Economic Recovery Consult; Families, Inc.; First Community Bank; First Security Bank; First United Methodist Church Thrift Shop; Harding Press; Harding Academy; Harding University; Junior Auxiliary of Searcy; Kids Unlimited Learning Academy; Kiwanis Club of Searcy; Lions Club of Searcy; NorthStar EMS; Quality Office; Quattlebaum Music Center; Regions Bank; Radiology Associates Searcy Breast Center; Rotary Club of Searcy; Searcy Beauty College; Simmons First Bank; Southern Bank; The Daily Citizen; Three Rivers Edition; Valley Baptist Church; Walmart Foundation; White County Community Foundation; White County Farm Bureau; White County Health Department; Unity Health; Unity Health Auxiliary and Unity Health Clinics.

The 23rd Annual Shots for Tots and Teens was held in conjunction with A Day of Caring, as four immunizations were given.