KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Mission of the Dirt Road recently held an event called Healthy Harvest at their facility. The event was inspired by the need to provide individuals without insurance with health services.

“You know there are not a lot of medical and helpful resources in our area, especially for those who are uninsured,” said Carey Morford, founder of Mission of the Dirt Road.

Morford said efforts have been made to bring health resources to the area, but for many, it required traveling long distances.

“As we all know, it is hard for people outside of Keystone to serve Keystone and people inside of Keystone to serve people outside because of the distance between us and everyone else in our county,” she said.

Despite the traveling distance, 15 organizations showed their support at Healthy Harvest by presenting helpful information and medical services to the community. Individuals, who attended the event, were given the opportunity to receive a physical through Emmanuel Health and blood pressure tests through The Way Free Medical Clinic. Other organizations such as Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Community Partnership Schools and Operation Barnabas were there to provide helpful information about other resources available.

Families were also able to enjoy lunch while listening to music and enjoy activities such as pumpkin painting and corn hole. In addition, Healthy Harvest had a food distribution and a grand opening for the new Tool Lending Library at Mission of the Dirt Road.

Healthy Harvest was deemed a success because it allowed the Keystone Heights community to have access to the same services and resources that other parts in Clay County are receiving. Also, it was also a first step to bring medical resources to Keystone Heights for those who aren’t covered by insurance.

As of now, Emmanuel Health is planning to be at Answers once a month to provide continuous medical services to the individuals that attended Healthy Harvest.

“We don’t want to do a one time and then you can’t go see a doctor anymore,” Morford said. “The hope is that they will be here at least once a month and that they will be bringing their mobile unit to Answers.”